MORE ferries entered and left Dover Harbour last year, compared with 2002, although there was a slight fall in the amount of traffic passing through the port.

The war in Iraq, competition from "no frills" airlines and the good summer weather, were all said to have contributed to the reduction in the cross-Channel tourist market.

But the port still handled more than 2.5 million cars and 1.7 million lorries.

Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive for the Port of Dover, said: "Given 2003 was a difficult year for all cross-Channel operators, Dover recorded some excellent traffic figures and retains its position as the major gateway to the Continent.

"The long term trends point towards traffic growth and we look forward to the opening of two new ferry berths in 2004 to increase port capacity."