A ferry service connecting Kent to Essex across the River Thames ran for the last time today.

People have said their final goodbyes to the Gravesend to Tilbury crossing.

The service ran five days a week between 5.40am and 7pm. It carried more than 100,000 passenger journeys a year.

For more than two decades, the ferry was co-subsidised by Kent County Council (KCC) and Thurrock Council.

However, its future was cast in doubt as both authorities faced financial pressures.

After Thurrock Council pulled its funding and KCC expressed concerns it could no longer afford the £55,000 subsidy, which could quadruple.

The local authority launched a public consultation in January and received more than 1,700 responses.

However, at the beginning of the month, operator Jetstream Tours announced the ferry would cease running.

Click here to read what local businesses and commuters thought about the loss.

Today the service ran for the last time – with the final crossing at 7pm.

A message posted on its Facebook page said: “On behalf of everyone here at Jetstream Tours we would like to say big thank you for everyone who has (during our time on the ferry) supported our service since 2017.

“Our final day operating the service has been emotional but our crews have been in high spirits and we would like to thank all our staff for their continued efforts to maintain this service.

“We have seen our regular passengers, both present and past make that one last journey to see us and even a few new faces who were taking their kids on their last ferry crossing.

“We would like to especially say thank you to everyone who has provided cards and parting gifts for our staff.”

Dozens of residents, families and commuters expressed their sadness online.

“Used the ferry for the last time today,” Zoe Plumb commented.

‘I have loved using this ferry for many years with our children and I am gutted it has come to this...’

“My Nan and Grandad have been using the ferry for years and even remember using it when it was a car ferry to go to Kent before the crossing was built. Sad to see it go.”

Francoise Whitehead added: “I have loved using this ferry for many years with our children and I am gutted it has come to this for such a well used essential service.

“I hope it gets sorted sooner rather than later and I wish you all the best for the future.

“I am so glad we got to ride on its last day – thank you.”