Cross-Channel operators has applauded the end of Covid testing of fully vaccinated passengers.

The requirement will come to and end on February 11, the last school day before the half term holiday.

Filip Hermann, vice-president and head of Channel Routes at DFDS, said: "We are delighted with the announcement.

"This is excellent news for travellers, for our business and for the wider travel industry.

"We are pleased that we can now focus on gearing up our business for the upcoming half-term and Easter holidays, helping our passengers enjoy a great start to their break.

"This is rather than negotiating the testing requirements and excessive pre-travel documentation that has been in place up to this point.

"While we recognise the need for measures to protect public health, there is clear evidence that the restrictions put in place last winter are not effective in preventing the spread of new Coronavirus variants."

DFDS runs routes from Dover to Calais and Dunkirk and Mr Hermann said more had to be done to avoid passenger queues, for instance by simplifying the passenger locator form and other documents.

"People have been looking forward to a holiday abroad for months."

He added: "We but we hope that the Government will work with travel operators on the review of these measures."

A spokesman for P&O Ferries, which also works the Dover-Calais route, said: "We welcome the news. This positive development will enable easier, more convenient travel for our customers."

A spokesman for Eurotunnel, running services for vehicles from Folkestone, said: "We are delighted to see travel restrictions lifted now that the government considers it safe to do so.

"Travel will now be easier and cheaper for people who have been looking forward to a holiday abroad for many months.

"The increase in customer demand each time the government lifts its restrictions shows just how keen people are to have a change of scenery."

From February 11 fully vaccinated passengers entering the United Kingdom will no longer be required to complete a Covid-19 test.

Fully vaccinated arrivals must currently pre-book and take a post-arrival test from a private supplier.

This can be a lateral flow test, which typically costs around £19.

Meanwhile in the UK Covid Plan B restrictions will be lifted from tomorrow (Thursday).

This means people can now return to their workplaces and most coronavirus restrictions will come to an end.

Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke said: " The pandemic has been a tough time for us all, with so many tragically losing loved ones. Yet thanks to emergency workers and volunteers and the resolve of the British people it looks like we have turned a corner and life may start to return towards normality.

“Of course, we all know that new variants can appear without warning. So we can’t take anything for granted. We must remain vigilant. But there is no doubt that things are very encouraging."