Red Squirrel sails on April 1st

11:12am Tuesday 1st April 2008

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A HAMPSHIRE ferry company staged an April Fool's Day prank this morning to support the Isle of Wight's endangered red squirrels.

As part of the stunt, one of Red Funnel's car ferry's was 'targeted' by grey squirrels, who changed the company's livery to Red Squirrel.

The ferry terminal at Southampton's Town Quay was also the scene of a rowdy protest by the grey squirrels, who wielded placards reading "Give greys the right to the Isle of Wight" and "Let greys go on holidays."

Jonathan Green, Red Funnel sales and marketing director, said: "We found out at 5.30am this morning that graffiti had been written one of our ferries.

"Instead of Red Funnel, the ferry's Red Funnel livery now reads Red Squirrel.

"We understand there's been a bit of animosity between grey squirrels and the Isle of Wight's native red squirrels.

"We came down to the terminal this morning and found three grey squirrels protesting.

"They want to go to the Island, but they're not allowed."

Mr Green revealed the stunt had been dreamt up to promote the Island's Wight Squirrel Project, which protects the 3,500 native red squirrels.

He said: "We are supporting the Wight Squirrel Project which passengers can make a donation to when they travel to the island.

"Today's stunt is all for a good cause and it's about having a bit of fun on April Fool's Day."