SUSSEX'S only ferry link with the Continent was restored today with the warning: "Use it or lose it".

There was a champagne send-off as the new Super Seacat ferry set sail from Newhaven to Dieppe.

But it was a bumpy crossing with the wind speed between force six and seven, virtually up to the limit in which the monohull can operate.

Captain Peter Gibb said: "These are not ideal conditions for our first run. But this vessel can easily cope."

Super Seacat Two will start its regular passenger sailings at 8.30am tomorrow.

There were cheers as the Hoverspeed-operated vessel, with the face of a cat painted on the bow, set sail ending a three-month break in the service after P&O Stena Line pulled out.

David Benson, senior vice president of port owners Sea Containers, said: "It was the company's intention to ensure the success of the service.

"We share the main objectives of the town of Newhaven. We want the port and this service to be successful. I say to the people of Sussex, use it or lose it."

Lewes MP Norman Baker presented Mr Benson with a 5,000-signature petition from the people of Newhaven urging the company to invest more in the port to secure its long term future.

The MP said: "I am pleased to see the link restored but this is just a sticking plaster solution for the summer. We need a commitment from Sea Containers for long-term investment in the service."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.