Ferry trips between Newhaven and Dieppe will continue to run during the winter months for the first time in three years.

The resumed winter service will maintain important tourist and economic links between the two towns and regions.

It is the first time Transmanche Ferries has operated a year-round service from Newhaven since 1998.

Although the company's high-speed Seacat service will cease for a winter refit until April next year, the conventional ferry Sardinia Vera will continue to provide a passenger service.

A spokeswoman for ticket agent Hoverspeed said: "This is good news for Sussex because it maintains that link with France over the winter.

"In the past we have had to suspend our Seacat service at Newhaven for several months at a time because we could not guarantee a good and reliable service due to weather conditions."

This is the third year Transmanche Ferries has operated a service to Normandy since the route was re-established in April 1999.

From October 1, the ferry will sail at 9am and 9pm from Newhaven and at 4am and 4pm from Dieppe with day trips priced at £45 for one car and five passengers.

On Saturdays, the ferry will leave Newhaven at 9am, returning at 8pm, and on Sundays there will be an 8am and 8pm service to Dieppe, returning at 4pm. The crossing lasts an average of four hours.

For more details and reservations, contact Hoverspeed on 0870 5240241.