RED Funnel is starting its vehicle ferry winter timetable four days early, beginning this weekend.

The date change is due to essential maintenance for Red Eagle, which needs a Voith propulsion unit exchange.

This comes at a time when the company is preparing to send its vehicle ferries to Falmouth for annual refit.

Ensuring Red Eagle is fit for service is essential, as the vessel will remain in service alongside Red Osprey while Red Falcon departs for Falmouth on November 3.

Red Funnel will contact all impacted customers by tomorrow (Tuesday) to let them know their new sailing times.

Fran Collins, CEO at Red Funnel, said: "Our winter timetable is designed to align to the quieter winter months, allowing for routine vessel maintenance outside of the busy summer season.

"This year, due to essential works on the Red Eagle, it has been necessary to begin the winter timetable slightly earlier than we planned.

"We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience."

The timetable will start Saturday, October 29, and will run as planned until March 30.

To view the Isle of Wight winter timetable, see HERE.