A cross-Channel ferry service is planned between Shoreham and Fecamp in northern France.

The consortium which is launching an all-year passenger and freight ferry between Newhaven and Dieppe is also preparing to start a two-hourly service from Shoreham.

It will mean an economic boost for Sussex, which at one point had no ferry link with France but is now facing the prospect of three routes by the summer.

The news was revealed yesterday as the ferry due to come into operation in the next few weeks sailed into Newhaven for technical tests.

Locals cheered and clapped as the 12,000 tonne Sardinia Vera approached the harbour.

The vessel, which can carry 600 passengers and 50 freight lorries and boasts three bars, three restaurants and a shop, will operate two daily crossings between Newhaven and Dieppe.

The service is being run by Trans-Manche Ferries, a public organisation comprised of French local authorities, which is leasing a vessel from Italian-owned Corsica Ferries.

Yesterday the French seafarers' union held a 24-hour strike due to the Italians' involvement. It forced SeaFrance to reduce its service from 15 to five crossings between Dover and Calais.

French dignitaries on the Sardinia Vera revealed they were in negotiations to start a seasonal passenger ferry from Shoreham as soon as May.

The French consortium is in talks with several companies to start a service with two daily crossings between Shoreham and Fecamp, in Normandy.

The contract between port owner Sea Containers and a consortium led by the Conseil General of the Seine Maritime region to run the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry is being finalised.

Charles Revet, president of the Conseil General, said he was confident the service would start by the end of March.

He said the consortium wanted to work alongside Sea Containers-owned Hoverspeed, which runs a summer fast ferry between Newhaven and Dieppe.

Mr Revet said: "We believe there is room for both a fast ferry and a freight and passenger boat. The freight link will have a huge impact on the economies of both regions."

Newhaven MP Norman Baker said: There is no doubt in my mind Newhaven can be a centre for freight and a good port for the 21st Century, given the right investment."