BOOZE has been banned on night time Hampshire ferries in a bid to prevent trouble.

Wightlink has announced that in connection with the Old Gaffers Festival in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, which runs until Sunday, sailings from Yarmouth to Lymington departing from 8.10pm on today and tomorrow will be alcohol free.

The firm said due to problems on previous years and after consultation with Isle of Wight Police it had decided not to sell alcohol on its ships and no-one will be allowed to take alcohol on board.

A spokesman said: "Drunken, abusive or violent behaviour is not acceptable under any circumstances and if you present yourself in this condition for travel, you will be refused boarding and not permitted to travel until the following day. You will have to buy a new ticket to travel if your evening ticket has expired.

"Island police support our actions and will be present in Yarmouth to assist if required.

"CCTV is in use on board our ships and in our terminals to prevent crime and identify offenders."