The first planned sailing of Condor's new ship has been delayed.

The Islander was due to make a freight -only run this Sunday (8 October) and begin passenger services the following week.

The ferry firm says it is waiting on a piece of equipment, so its first crossing to Portsmouth with people onboard will now be 20 October, in time for the school half term holidays.

It's still earlier than had originally been planned. Initially the Islander has been due to be added to the schedules from 1 November.

"We are making very good progress with the rest of the refurbishment of the vessel. Around 70 tradespeople are currently on board installing a duty free shop, altering overnight cabin configurations and refreshing the passenger lounges."

Condor says the few islanders who had been booked onto the four affected dates have been offered alternative sailings.

The Islander will have six pet-friendly cabins.