The Ben-my-Chree has returned to the island after a refit and will undertake its first journey to Heysham tonight (Friday) at 8.45pm.

The boat had been in dry dock since April while undergoing a refit.

There had been hopes the vessel would return at the end of May.

But there were delays after issues with tube bearings were identified.

The specialist contractors had indicated that the scope of work required would take longer than initially anticipated.

Until she returned, fast craft Manannan continued to operate daytime passenger services while MV Arrow provided overnight freight services.