Sheppey's new ferry to Southend starts this weekend.

Island Cruises, led by retired policeman Dave Wilcock, launches today from Queenborough's all-tide landing stage at 9.45am.

Return tickets, which include a train ride along the one-mile long pier, cost £20. There were still places available when we went to press.

The original launch was planned for the early May bank holiday but bad weather delayed operations.

Mr Wilcock said: "The team worked so hard to catch up following our three-week delay in Cardiff to get the boat ready but with the bad weather it was not to be.

"As a responsible boat company we made the decision to delay until we were ready. As the estuary over to Southend is one of the busiest local shipping lanes in the world we needed to give our passengers a safe and enjoyable crossing."

He thanked customers for understanding the situation.

Trips to Southend will continue the following week with additional excursions to the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery bomb ship and porpoise-spotting at the Maunsell Sea Forts.

For details, call 01795 700187.