HUNDREDS of passengers travelling from Poole to Cherbourg on Brittany Ferries faced delays of more than two hours.

Today's 8.30am Barfleur sailing was delayed until 10.30am due to industrial action by port workers in France.

The next sailing, scheduled to leave at 10.30am, departed two and a half hours later than planned after it required the assistance of a tug boat.

Four hundred and ten passengers were on board.

A spokesperson for Brittany Ferries said the "awkward wind direction" caused the delay.

They added: "With quite strong winds, the captain made the decision to remain on side until a tug boat could be called out to assist the ship.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience."

Part of the berth was damaged while the ship was stationed there after winds knocked the ferry against one of the quayside fenders.

"The ship came into heavy contact with the fender, which is the part of the berth the ship rests against, and it has been repaired by a crane," the spokesperson explained.

"Only minor damage has been caused. The ship itself has not been damaged."

The Barfleur was finally able to set sail at around 1pm.

"Only minor damage has been caused to the fender. The ship itself has not been damaged so passengers need not worry."