FERRY firm Wightlink has scooped a prestigious national award.

The company won Best Family Ferry Operator at the Family Traveller Awards at the third Family Traveller magazine awards ceremony on Tuesday (November 21)

Attracting a record 45,000 votes from the popular magazine and website's readership, every element of a family trip was voted on by readers, with results highlighting what parents are looking for when planning and booking a holiday.

A panel of experienced travel experts shortlisted entries into each category before voting was open to the public. The judges included Jane Anderson, editor of Family Traveller magazine; Simon Reeve, BBC presenter; Mariella Frostrup, BBC Radio 4 presenter; Sue Ward Davies, travel director of ELLE and Jane Knight, travel editor of The Times.

Stuart James, Marketing and Innovation Director at Wightlink says: "This is an excellent win for Wightlink, as we work hard to showcase our family-focused holiday business. The travel industry has recognised that families are increasingly seeking enriching experiences in their holiday decision-making process, which is something that we at Wightlink continue to develop. We'd like to thank Family Traveller readers and our customers for voting for us."