P&O Ferries is offering free meals to truckers sailing on its ships.

The initiative, Free Food February for Freight Drivers, is to thank them for their contribution to the economy by keeping supplies moving.

It is for those going between Dover and Calais and is to recognise the challenges they have had in recent months, particularly due to Covid-19 testing requirements.

Two freight drivers per vehicle can claim a free meal by presenting their boarding tickets.

This is for sailings between midnight and 8am Monday to Friday and on all weekend sailings between midnight on Friday and 8am on Monday.

The Dover-based company is also offering them discounts in its on-board shops, plus cabin upgrades.

It says this is part of its push to support freight drivers and raise awareness of their indispensable contribution to society and the global economy.

They are particularly needed now to transport vaccines for the war against coronavirus.

P&O Ferries has established an internal team to find out what other changes can be made to support the welfare of truckers and ensure they get the rest they need before continuing their journeys.

Peter Hebblethwaite, managing director for RoPax ferry services, said: "The wellbeing of our passengers is our highest priority and I am delighted to be able to announce that we are taking these special measures to support freight drivers during these challenging times.

"Road haulage is the lifeblood of the global economy and the dedication and hard work of freight drivers ensures supply chains remain intact and keeps food on the shelves.

“To make this month easier for them we have rolled out a great many changes to maximise their wellbeing, so they can carry on moving our customers’ vital goods, including food, vaccines and medical supplies.

"We are always working hard to improve our services and these changes signify a new focus of P&O Ferries: to support the people who do so much in keeping our business and the wider economy alive.”

Lorry drivers heading for Dover and the Channel Tunnel have had a particularly hard time this winter.

Many were stranded at Dover for days just before Christmas when the French closed their borders to stop a new variant of coronavirus reaching their country.

Those bound for the Channel ports can be left in long queues for several other reasons such as strikes in Calais and severe weather throwing ferry schedules in the air.

RoPax ferries are the roll-on-roll-off variety, which also have plenty of capacity for passengers.

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