Revenues at Eurotunnel increased by 10% to €304.9 million (£221.7 m) in the first three months of the year thanks to growing numbers of freight passengers.

The company set a record for truck shuttle traffic in March, transporting 140,009 vehicles.

Revenues from its core activity of carrying trucks and passenger vehicles grew by 10% to €124.6 million (£90.6m) thanks to growing volumes and yield.

Its rail freight company Europorte saw sales grow by 15% to €77 million (£56m) while its Dover to Calais operator MyFerryLink upped revenues by 37% to €25.3 million (£18.3m).

However it reminded shareholders it will be obliged to cease its ferry service by July 2 and has put the company up for sale.

It added: “The French authorities are closely monitoring events and are considering the structures that could enable the activity to continue.”

The strong results come despite a lorry fire which closed the Channel Tunnel in January. Conversely train company Eurostar reported its revenues were down £12 million over the same period.

Eurotunnel chairman and chief executive Jacques Gounon said: “On top of the excellent progress in revenues across the group’s activities, the new all-time record for truck traffic recorded in March shows the potential of the Channel Tunnel, which will be further strengthened by the current investment programme.”