A CENTURY-old foot ferry saved from closure in 2015 has expanded with new night-time river cruises and seal watching.

Christian and Lucy Zemann took on the Harwich Harbour foot and bicycle ferry in 2015 after hearing it was on the verge of closing down.

Last year the couple launched a new 58-seater ferry on the water and say since then passenger numbers have doubled since then.

Chris said: “Three years ago I took over the Harbour Ferry which connects Harwich, Shotley and Felixstowe.

“Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength.

“Customer numbers have gone from 15,000 to over 30,000 and growing every month.”

The yellow ferry, which dates back to 1912, runs daily from April 1 to October and then at weekends.

But the duo have now expanded the service, adding a bicycle rental in Harwich – bikes can then be taken on the ferry for free to Felixstowe and Shotley.

They have launched seal watching tours for groups of up to six adults and two children at Hamford Water and night cruises.

Public night cruises go from 7.15pm on Fridays or Saturdays while a group of up to 30 can book a special trip.

Chris added: “I have doubled the crossings, added services like evening crossings, river cruises, bicycle rental and seal watching trips, all departing Harwich. “I want locals to use the ferry for dinners, evening drinks or fish and chips river cruises.”

For details, visit www.harwichharbourferry.com