The 37,000-tonne ferry Pride of Bilbao, that has plied the route to Spain twice a week for 17 years, was withdrawn from service yesterday by its owners P&O.

The ship used to be popular with Stokey Woodall’s students, who took his astro-navigation course on board on the voyage across Biscay.

Locals are concerned about the impact on businesses and jobs in the Portsmouth area, however travellers will be able to use the alternative Brittany Ferries service.

For full story see http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/hampshire/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_9039000/9039806.stm