A DEADLINE has been set to add your name to the Daily Echo's campaign to save the Hythe ferry.

All petitions need to be sent to the paper by Friday, May 6, to be included in the final count.

The response so far has been staggering and the paper has already received more than 7,000 signatures through the post in just over four weeks.

Ferry bosses have warned that they might be forced to ditch the route between Hythe and Southampton if a massive hike in business rates is not reviewed.

It will eventually cost the heavily subsidised company thousands of pounds that it says it cannot afford.

Shops, post offices, community centres, pubs, residential homes and scores of concerned individuals have collected the lists of names.

The Daily Echo has received messages of support from across the globe from many people who have fond memories of travelling on the historic ferry.

Thousands of you are demanding that the Valuation Office Agency must reconsider the rise and come to an agreement to protect the vessel's future.

All petitions should be sent to the following address by Friday, May 6: Sarah Jones, Southern Daily Echo, Canterbury House, 41 Gosport Street, Lymington, SO41 9BB.

You can download a petition from our Hythe Ferry campaign homepage.