BRITTANY Ferries has welcomed the news that fully vaccinated adults and children will no longer have to quarantine on their return from amber list countries.

Praising Transport Secretary Grant Shapps' announcement, which comes into effect from July 19, Brittany Ferries' chief executive officer Christophe Mathieu said: "This is the news we have been waiting for all year.

"Finally, the storm clouds are lifting and the sun is beginning to shine."

Mr Shapps also confirmed the government's guidance that people should not travel to amber list countries will be lifted on the same July 19 date.

Instead of self isolating, those who are fully vaccinated will have to take a test three days before returning, as well as a test before departing – to show they are negative before travelling in the first place – and a PCR test on or before day two.

M Mathieu said: "We expect an avalanche of demand in the weeks ahead and my message to our customers is clear – we have availability, so now is a great time to book a holiday and we can’t wait to serve you all."

Brittany Ferries operates Cross Channel services from the port of Poole.