FERRY company Wightlink is gearing up to transport tens of thousands of rock fans to the Isle of Wight rock festival which begins today.

The sell-out event means that legions of fans will be descending on the ferry firm's terminals at Lymington and Portsmouth for their journey to the Island.

The firm will also be ferrying across some of the biggest names in rock such as Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music, REM and Razorlight.

Wightlink marketing director Janet Saville said: "We have been gearing up for this event for months now and have learned much from previous festivals on the Island."

For more on the IOW rock festival see the 'What's On' section inside today's Daily Echo.