SANDBANKS Ferry will reduce its operating hours throughout the latest lockdown.

Operators said a service will run every 20 minutes from 7am between November 5 and December 2.

But the last ferry will leave Sandbanks at 9pm instead of 11pm.

A spokesman for the Sandbanks Ferry Company said: "In anticipation of extremely low passenger numbers at night, the final daily ferry crossing during the lockdown period will run at 9pm from Sandbanks.

"All classes of passengers will continue to be able to use the ferry to travel to Purbeck and enjoy the local beach and countryside as part of their daily exercise."

Managing Director Mike Kean added: "We know that local residents will still rely on the ferry to travel to work, university or local hospitals during lockdown, and so we are pleased to be able to make a commitment to them during this challenging second lockdown.

"The ferry is also a great way for local residents to visit the beautiful landscapes we enjoy in Studland, Swanage and Sandbanks for their daily exercise, and hope they will take advantage of this during lockdown."

The Ferry Company complies with the current restrictions for public transport, and as such a number of safety measures remain in place on board the ferry to protect passengers and staff. These include asking passengers to pay by card if they can, the wearing of face coverings and the use of marked-out social distancing boxes for cyclists and foot passengers.

Vehicle passengers should remain in their vehicle while on board the ferry, with windows closed. If necessary, the driver's side windows may be lowered for ventilation.