Isle of Wight ferry firm Wightlink is introducing new automated check-in gates at two of its terminals.

The cross-Solent operator is planning to roll out the new system for its foot passenger FastCat service in March.

The automated entrances will be installed at the firm's Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head terminals, ending the need for staff to manually check and scan each ticket.

Wightlink has confirmed no staff will be made redundant as a result of the change and they will be there to assist passengers if needed.

A spokesperson for the firm told the County Press the new gates are costing half a million pounds.

The entrances will recognise rail tickets with barcodes or QR codes, as well as paper and online tickets and passes.

A Wightlink spokesperson said: "People with rail tickets with magnetic strips and foot passengers travelling in a large group will have their tickets scanned manually by Wightlink staff."

"Once customers have passed through the electronic gates, they will be able to relax in the passenger lounge until their FastCat is ready for boarding."