Delighted Barfleur fans are supporting the ship’s return by filling its first sailing from Poole with passengers.

When the Brittany Ferries vessel leaves Poole on Monday for Cherbourg for the first time in a year, it will contain more than 400 passengers, 116 cars and some freight vehicles.

“For the first crossing, passenger numbers are looking very good,” said Brittany Ferries spokesman Chris Jones.

“We are just delighted to see the ship back and we hope that people will use it.”

That is also the participation of Borough of Poole, which is sending a high-level 20-strong civic delegation to meet their counterparts in Cherbourg.

Poole’s Mayor Cllr Chris Bulteel, Deputy Mayor Cllr Charles Meachin and Sheriff Cllr Graham Wilson will be among those on the trip along with twinning groups, economic development officers and the chairman of Poole Harbour Commissioners, Richard Lacey.

Cllr Ron Parker, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and the local economy, who is leading the visit, said they would be meeting partners in business, education, sport and culture.

“It’s good news we have got the Barfleur back and we have got to make sure we keep it. It’s a bit like the post offices, if we don’t use it we lose it,” said Cllr Parker.

Jim Stewart, chief executive of PHC, said they were delighted the Barfleur was returning and operating in tandem with the freight ferry Cotentin.

“PHC and Brittany Ferries are working closely together on marketing and we are confident that the service will be successful for both freight and passengers,” he said.

“Many UK ferry ports are currently seeing reductions in ferry activity – we are very pleased to see Poole bucking the trend.”

After the loss-making service was axed a year ago, the Barfleur was laid up at Caen with a skeleton crew and serviced at Dunkirk before returning to the route, which she is due to ply until October 3.

Her return from Cherbourg on Sunday evening is likely to be greeted by jubilant supporters turning out to welcome her back through the harbour entrance.