Cross channel operator Eurotunnel set a record for passenger numbers over the Christmas period.

From December 13 to January 5, Le Shuttle carried 210,000 passenger vehicles in both directions between Folkestone and Pas-de-Calais, equivalent to about 900,000 people.

It beat the previous record of 200,000 cars, motorcycles, vehicles with trailers, caravans, camper vans and coaches.

The feat was made possible by an increase in the number of services over the holidays.

Another record fell during the same period, with nearly 1,400 dogs and cats travelling on Le Shuttle on Saturday, January 4, returning from France to the UK.

This beats the previous daily record, set on August 31 last year when 1,163 pets were carried.

It is welcome news for the operator, which is still embroiled in Competition Commission proceedings examining whether it broke rules during its acquisition of three cross-Channel ferries in 2012, launching MyFerryLink.

Eurotunnel argues the acquisition of the three vessel formerly owned by defunct operator SeaFrance was lawful as the ferries are leased to a third party.

The company says the Competition Commission has no jurisdiction in the case, which the body is considering at present.