Eurotunnel says "progress made in the Brexit negotiations" should see it continue to increase revenues after the UK splits from the European Union.

In reporting an increase in revenues for the first quarter of 2018 by 5% to €241.4 million (£210.75m), the firm's chairman and CEO, Jacques Gounon said: "The growth on both sides of the Channel and progress made in the Brexit negotiations allow us to forecast EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation] of more than €735 million (£641.68m) in 2022."

That prediction is up on previous estimates, but Mr Gounon admits Brexit will still bring challenges, depending on the eventual deal struck. However, the transition arrangement is unlikely to cause the feared major short-term issue.

Eurotunnel operates the Le Shuttle service between Folkestone and Coquelles, near Calais and allows Eurostar to use the route for its high-speed service to the continent.

The company saw a rise across the board in traffic figures, with shuttle revenues up 7% to €138.3m.

Crucially, freight transport figures continue to perform well, with January 25 seeing Le Shuttle carrying more than 7,000 trucks in one day for the first time - although fuelled by a consequence of industrial action at Calais which disrupted ferry services.

It says passenger traffic was also boosted by Easter's big getaway falling in March rather than April, with Le Shuttle now accounting for 61.1% of cars crossing the Channel during the first quarter.

Eurostar carried 2.38 million passengers during the quarter - up 5% - a figure likely to rise following the opening of the London to Amsterdam service - a route which will not be stopping at either the Ashford or Ebbsfleet international stations.