Isle of Wight ferry firm Wightlink has cancelled eight sailings on its Lymington to Yarmouth service today (Sunday).

The company is blaming 'the absence of an essential crew member'.

The 3.05pm, 5.05pm, 7.05pm and 9.05pm from Yarmouth are cancelled.

Meanwhile, the 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm sailings from Lymington are all off.

A Wightlink spokesperson said: "We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this action will cause but we have been unable to source short notice cover for the absent members of staff and so have taken this action as a last resort."

Wightlink said all affected customers have been contacted and moved to alternative sailings.