A tsunami of enthusiasm is growing in Poole to welcome the popular Barfleur ferry back to the town.

After being ‘retired’ from the loss-making Cherbourg route a year ago, Brittany Ferries is returning the boat to service at the end of February.

The welcome news which came just before Christmas, has delighted the ferries loyal customers who plan a right royal welcome for the grande dame.

And there could also be a civic welcome for the ferry which will make a daily crossing from February 28, taking both passengers cars and freight.

Brittany Ferries Enthusiasts, whose website members have been eagerly awaiting her return, aim to turn out at Sandbanks on February 27 when she arrives from Cherbourg.

“There are going to be a group of members – not sure how many yet – that are going to be gathering at the Haven in Sandbanks to welcome her back,” said member Brigitte Barnes.

“Hopefully she’ll give us some toots of the horn.”

The first sailing from Poole on February 28 will depart at 8.30am and leave Cherbourg at 6.30pm for her return.

Cllr Ron Parker, Borough of Poole cabinet portfolio holder for transport is hoping to arrange for a civic and twinning party to sail on the first crossing from Poole.

BFE member Seashore said: “I am glad that she is back and hope that people will use her and make it viable for BF. Reading between the lines, I would imagine that she will be plying the route for quite a few years more to come certainly as a freighter; in terms of passenger options, it surely must be a ‘use it or lose it’.”

Brittany Ferries plans to operate the service through the summer and review its commercial viability towards the end of September.

“Having listened to the concerns of the community, we now need to call upon everyone’s support of our decision to bring back Barfleur,” said Mike Bevens, the company’s group commercial passenger director.