More people have been travelling to, from and between the Channel Islands using ferries.

Travel between the islands was up 75% from 8,766 passengers to 15,369.

Jersey saw an additional 19,217 car and foot passengers on UK and French routes (up 16%), whereas Guernsey saw a 2% rise, with an extra 1,084 travellers (up 2%)

Overall, there was a 14%, or 26,874, rise in people using Condor's services between 14 July and 3 September.

Christophe Mathieu, Condor’s CEO, says the altered summer schedule contributed.

"The figures are very encouraging and would not have been achievable under the previous timetable which was adjusted at the start of the season.

"This offered improved frequency of sailings from St Malo and Jersey, along with extra capacity from the UK thanks to Condor Islander’s first summer in service."

The ferry firm is also reporting 'strong growth' in late summer and autumn bookings across all routes.

Mr Mathieu says he is 'keen' to open bookings for summer 2025.

Only pre-registration is possible at the moment, because Condor's current contract to operate services to the Channel Islands expires in March.

"We are conscious that pre-registrations are not quite what our passengers and industry partners expect to secure for next season.

"It will be an important year as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Islands’ liberation."

Three firms - Condor Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries - have tendered for the 15 year contract to operate future freight and passenger services.

A decision is expected at the end of this month.

In the meantime, Brittany Ferries is waiting to hear if it will get permission from the competition watchdog to increase its share-holding in Condor Ferries to 51%, to become the majority owner.

READ MORE: Brittany Ferries set to become majority owner of Condor