A NEW cross-Solent ferry service for foot passengers is due to be launched on Tuesday.

A 12-seater catamaran will operate between Lymington and Yarmouth in direct competition with Wightlink, which has been transporting passengers between the two towns for decades.

Unlike Wightlink, the Isle of Wight-based Scoot Ferries will only operate a service for people travelling on foot.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the new vessel, Scoot 1, will run seven days a week between 4.30am and 11.30pm.

It will travel between Yarmouth Harbour and Lymington Town Quay – just across the river from the Wightlink terminal.

During the 25-minute crossing passengers will be provided with individual seats and free WiFi.

A Scoot Ferries spokesman said: “Bicycles and well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome and there is no extra charge for either.

“As a small operator, Scoot is well placed to be able to listen to its customers and to build a friendly, fast and user responsive business.”

The company’s chief executive, Zoe Ombler, said she was delighted with the response received so far.

She added: “Our first route was a Cowes Week service linking Cowes with Hamble.

“It was a great success and we are now very excited to be starting a regular, year-round service between Lymington and Yarmouth.”