The eagerly anticipated return of duty-free shopping for cross-Channel travellers is set to become a reality once more for Eurotunnel customers.

The ability to buy duty-free goods was once at the heart of the booming day-trip industry which saw crowds flock to France on the ferries to take advantage of savings on the likes of alcohol, tobacco and perfumes.

But they ended due to EU rules.

And now, since the Brexit transition period ended at the start of the year, the discounts will be back.

Earlier this year, cross-Channel operator DFDS revealed it had secured contracts to build duty-free stores at both Calais and Dunkirk ferry terminals.

Now Eurotunnel has confirmed it too will be bringing back the stores after getting approval from the French government to resume duty-free sales at its French terminal.

The company operates the service between Coquelles, near Calais, and Folkestone.

It said "with the anticipated progressive return of passenger travel, duty free opens the way to higher traffic levels that will support the local economy".

Yann Leriche, chief executive officer of Getlink, Eurotunnel's parent company, added: “I want to thank the French government for re-instating the balance of treatment that will enable fair competition between cross-Channel carriers. As our employees, local stakeholders and elected representatives know, understanding the issue, duty-free will be beneficial for our jobs and for the whole region.”

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