A NEW ferry and a regular service are on the wish list of the latest operator of the Gravesend to Tilbury crossing.

After nearly two months of negotiations, Pocahontas owner John Potter has bought Gravesend's West Street Pier and is getting the ferry service back on the Thames.

He resumes where he left off in April when crossings were suspended because there was no boat free to run between the two towns. The Pocahontas was needed for annual river day trips and the old ferry, the Martin Chuzzlewit, was out of action.

Mr Potter said: "We are looking to the future. We want to get it running to the same time table as before, from 5.40am to 10.20pm.

"The only times we will have to stop it is when we have a strong gale which makes it dangerous."

An ex-Portsmouth ferry built in 1956, the Duchess M, will be making the 700-metre trips from Gravesend to Tilbury.

Mr Potter added: "It has 120 seats - twice the number of the Martin Chuzzlewit - and can still carry mopeds and motorcycles. There will also be refreshments such as tea and coffee.

"When we were using the Pocahontas from October 2001 to April 2002 we got most of the passengers back and it was working successfully. Hopefully we will be able to continue that."

Gravesham MP Chris Pond is confident John Potter will be the right man for the job. He said: "I'm delighted because the ferry is not only part of our history and heritage but part of life for people on both sides. John Potter has a very good reputation with the Pocahontas and knows the service. People will be able to depend on him."