THE Sandbanks Ferry has returned to service today following its regular refit.

The Bramble Bush Bay chain ferry, which crosses the entrance of Poole Harbour between Sandbanks and Shell Bay, was back in action this afternoon, earlier than planned.

The company previously said the ferry would return to service at 7am on Tuesday.

On Sunday, November 6, it was taken off its chains and taken to dry dock in Southampton.

While the refit took place, motorists and the Route 50 Purbeck Breezer were diverted between Bournemouth and Swanage via the A351.

A Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company spokesman said: “We finished well within the two to three-week estimate.”

The Studland/Sandbanks service dates back to 1923. The current ferry, the Bramble Bush Bay, has been running crossings since 1994 and is refitted once every two years.

It is 242 ft (73m) long and can hold 48 cars.