ONE of Hampshire's leading ferry and holiday firms has dismissed speculation that it is for sale.

Wightlink, which employs 600 people and runs cross-Solent services between Lymington and Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, was today trying to find out where the unfounded rumour came from.

Fingers were being pointed at London, where the speculation made headline news on Sunday.

Wightlink was reported to have appointed finance experts in the City to advise on a potential disposal of the business for £250m.

But that was news to Wightlink. A spokesman stressed: "We have not got any immediate plans of this significance."

The sell-off talk caused brief uncertainty to staff, but they have since been reassured.