HOVERTRAVEL'S bosses say they are proud to have provided an escort for Brittany Ferries' new ship Santoña into Portsmouth Harbour.

Two hovercrafts flanked the state-of-the-art luxury cruise-ferry as it sailed into Portsmouth International Port for the first time, yesterday (Friday) — then departed on its first commecial crossing to Santander last night.

For the many 'shipspotters' on the Island, Santoña will be seen regularly — voyaging to nothern Spain twice a week and Cherbourg, once a week.