WIGHTLINK'S new multi-million pound customer centre has opened in Portsmouth.

The building features a Costa Coffee and refreshments from Island companies, as well as a ticket office and toilets.

It is part of ferry firm's £45 million investment in the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route.

Wightlink chief executive, Keith Greenfield, said: "Our new customer building is the latest milestone in our investment in our key cross-Solent route.

"This summer we will welcome our new hybrid energy flagship Victoria of Wight which will be the most environmentally friendly on the Solent."

Isle of Wight haulier, Wayne Lightbown, was first in line to buy a ticket at the new centre.

He said: "My father started off using Wightlink to carry livestock on and off the Island. We now ship sweetcorn and asparagus to the mainland, and have been known to cross the Solent 48 times a week."