The Sandbanks Ferry operator will celebrate its centenary at the end of this month.

Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road & Ferry Company was incorporated on July 31, 1923, following an Act of Parliament during the reign of King George V.

Company chairman Michael Kean said: “My family has been part of the service since the early 1980s, during which time we’ve overseen its transformation into what the Sandbanks Ferry is today.

“I would like to give special thanks to our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to provide the service, as well as the continued support of our customers and a long list of suppliers, both local and from all around the world.

“We look forward to the next 100 years.”

Bournemouth Echo: June 1958 saw a new Sandbanks ferry moved into position to take over from the original craftJune 1958 saw a new Sandbanks ferry moved into position to take over from the original craft

The present ferry - Bramble Bush Bay - came into service in January 1994 and is the fourth ferry to operate since the company started.

It returned to service in February this year after a four-month layoff, initially for a biennial refit which was delayed after suffering extensive damage to its prow while being towed from Poole Quay to Falmouth.

Thousands use the ferry service every year to commute from Sandbanks to Studland.

Visit the Sandbanks Ferry website for more information.