Ferry passengers facing disruption due to gales

The Manxman's afternoon and evening sailings between Douglas and Heysham were cancelled

Ferry passengers booked to travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire are facing disruption due to forecasted adverse weather.

Although the morning crossing of the Manxman to Heysham went ahead, the vessel's 13:45 and 19:15 GMT sailings have both been cancelled.

However, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said the overnight Douglas-bound journey and Friday morning's 08:00 sailing to the Lancashire port - which had also been in doubt - would go ahead as scheduled.

Ronaldsway Met Office warned that winds hitting the island on Thursday were expected to reach gale force by the evening, with gusts reaching up to 45mph (74km/h).

The Steam Packet said passengers affected could amend their bookings online or by phone free of charge.

The latest adverse weather follows on from stormy conditions in Irish Sea on Sunday which left some passengers injured and several vehicles damaged on the final crossing of the season of the fast Craft Manannan from Liverpool.