ONE of the Hythe to Southampton passenger ferries was lowered back into the water following a major refit.

White Horse Ferries has spent £50,000 on upgrading the 16-year-old Great Expectations, including improvements to its main driveshafts.

A huge crane was used to return the vessel to the water at Saxon Wharf atNortham, Southampton.

Peter Lay, a director of the firm, said the refit followed £80,000 of alterations to the other vessel used on the crossing.

He added: "It is a constant challenge to make the economics of the service work.

"Hampshire County Council provides a revenue support grant that helps meet the cost of operating the service. The key now is to improve passenger numbers. The increase in petrol prices is now making it expensive to drive and makes the ferry an attractive, cheaper alternative."