A VETERAN Wightlink ferry docked in Lymington for the last time yesterday after completing its final cross-Solent voyage.

The Caedmon, which has been operating on the busy Lymington to Yarmouth route since the early 1970s, is one of three C-class vessels due to be replaced by larger and more powerful craft.

See the new ferries in action

Wightlink will continue to use two other old ferries, the Cenwulf and the Cenred, until the new boats enter service.

The last passengers to use Caedmon disembarked in Lymington just before 10pm.

The new ferries have been a major source of controversy since their design was unveiled last year.

Campaigners claim the vessels will increase erosion, generate extra traffic on Forest roads, and pose a hazard to other users of the Lymington River.