A FERRY service that has been running for 80 years is marking the occasion by hosting a family fun day.

The Tuckton Vintage Ferry Service runs along the River Stour from Tuckton to Mudeford, stopping at Wick Ferry and Christchurch Quay.

It is run, along with the riverside Tuckton Tea Gardens, by a family team consisting of husband and wife Alan and Alison Vincent, their son Adam, 31, and their son in law, Jason, 28.

The Vincents have owned the business for 19 years and operate it each year from Easter to the end of October, weather permitting. The timetable varies between a boat every half hour and every 90 minutes.

Director Alison Vincent said: “We are really excited to be celebrating the fact that the business is an incredible 80 years old. We are looking forward to marking this event with a family fun day which promises to have something for everyone.

“There will be a marquee in the tea gardens with craft stalls, crazy golf, a special menu will be served and of course boat trips which will have a pirate theme.”

Bournemouth Coastal Business Improvement District (BID) is supporting the event by producing a leaflet to be distributed to more than 18,000 households.

Adam Vincent said: “We have four Headland boats: the Headland Belle, the Headland Queen and the Headland Pal, which were all built in 1934, with the Headland Maid following in 1935.

“The boats were built in Elkins Boat yard, which still exists in Christchurch, and were designed specifically for Christchurch Harbour conditions.

“A very shallow craft is necessary to cope with the occasional very low tides.

“These boats only draw 18 inches fully laden. In order to avoid a propeller protruding beneath the boat, a tunnel system was devised whereby the propeller is located within the tunnel, drawing the water up, through the tunnel inside the boat and pushing it out at the stern.

“These ferries have maintained this service across Christchurch Harbour every year since their construction, except during the Second World War, when they were commandeered by the Navy.

“There are many stories about their exploits.

“After the war they were returned to service in Christchurch, although only one retained the original varnished hull.”

The fun day is on Saturday November 1, 11am to 3pm, and is open to everyone.