WIGHTLINK has teamed up with charity, The Getaway Foundation, to help provide a much-needed holiday for ten Island families living in poverty.

The Foundation, which works with partners including the Isle of Wight Council, to provide breaks for deserving families, approached the cross-Solent ferry company for assistance with travel.

“When we approached Wightlink we were only hoping for discounted travel," said Peter Tebbutt, foundation chief executive.

"But, by underwriting the full cost, it means we will have additional budget to expand our work.

“Already this year we have worked with Wightlink and the council to provide five breaks for families with a young carer, and we are delighted to be offering more holidays for families who are referred to us by the local authority as being in poverty.”

“We hope to increase our partnerships with more organisations on the Island in the future to further expand the holidays we can provide.”

Founded in January of last year, the foundation has so far helped more than 600 families impacted by Covid-19.

Wightlink chief executive, Keith Greenfield said: “It has been a tough year all round but especially so if you are also battling poverty.

"We are delighted to be helping The Getaway Foundation make happy memories for ten further local families, and hope those memories start when they get on board the ferry.”