Channel Islands ferries disrupted by 'extreme weather'

Condor Ferries has cancelled its fast ferry sailings because of "extreme weather", after westerly gales were forecast for the English Channel.

The company said fast ferry sailings between Poole and the Channel Islands had been cancelled and its sailing from Jersey to St Malo was brought forward.

It was due to leave at 14:55 GMT but departed instead at 09:45 to avoid the worst of the weather.

The Jersey met office has forecast very rough seas with force eight winds.

It estimated gusts could reach 65mph during the afternoon.

The winds were expected to die down early on Friday but further gales were forecast for Friday night.

Alicia Andrews, the sales and marketing director at Condor, said fast ferry services were expected to return to normal on Friday but urged customers to check the company's sailings updates online.