Record year for Falmouth and St Mawes passenger ferry.
The best year on record has just been announced by the St Mawes Ferry Company, which runs the year-round passenger ferry service seven days a week between St Mawes and Falmouth.
In 2011 more than 162,000 passengers climbed aboard the classic wooden ferries operating the service, which include May Queen, Queen of Falmouth and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Launched by The Duchess herself in 2008, the flagship vessel has just completed her winter refit after clocking up over 100,000 miles and been fitted with two new low emission engines.
Established in 1878, the ferry forms a vital link for both locals and visitors and boasts a journey set in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The twenty-minute crossing is one of the most popular tourist activities in Cornwall with a route providing breathtaking views of Pendennis and St Mawes Castles, Falmouth docks and the occasional sightings of dolphins and basking sharks.
Operations Manager Garrick Royle said: ''It's been a great year and we are really proud of our team who take such pride in the service.
'As both Falmouth and St Mawes have more to offer with festivals and events, such as the Fal River Festival, the Fal River Walking Festival and attractions and superb places to eat, people now have more reason than ever to travel between the two.'
Managing director Tim Light added: ''Despite the tough economic climate we've had a great year and we're rewarding our customers by freezing our prices this year.
'We have also put a huge amount of energy into adding value to the service. From the Fal Mussel Card Local and Fal Mussel Card Visitor, to combo tickets with attractions, special offers and discounted repeat travel, we are working hard to create the value that visitors are looking for and it seems to be working which is great news.
'I'm quietly confident about this coming year, we have just recorded the busiest January we have ever had and we are investing in new services and employing new staff to reflect this confidence.'
Mr Light also wished to thank Cornwall Council and the Fal River advertising partners for continuing to support the winter months' service which continue to be very challenging.