A Just Giving page has been launched to help save the Shotley to Harwich foot ferry, while a Babergh district councillor is also looking securing funding from whatever grants that could be made available.

Alex Sharrett, a relative of the ferry owners Lucy and Christian, set up the page to make up any shortfall needed to get the 100 year old ferry service back up and running in time for next season.

Meanwhile, Derek Davis, the Ganges ward member and Communities cabinet member at Babergh district council has already started looking at how to get various funding stream.

"As the foot ferry basically covers three separate council areas, they have not always been able to receive the various grants available to businesses," said Cllr Davis. "However, I believe this is an exceptional situation and we at Babergh are already looking at ways we can work with our neighbouring councils and give sound financial support for Christian and Lucy to ensure we all have ferry to be able to use next year."

Nub News reported on Saturday how the Harbour Harbour Ferry, which runs from Shotley to Harwich and Felixstowe was severely damaged by a storm.

Christian and Lucy Zemann, who have run the ferry since 2015 face losing their livelihood unless former lifeboat can be repaired and brought back into service by Easter next year.

While the ferry insured early assessments of the damage means there is likely to be a major shortfall, estimated at £20,000, two save the former SS Canberra lifeboat and get the service back up and running.

Mr Sharrett said: "If the money raised by this appeal exceeds what is needed to repair the ferry and bring it back into operation, Lucy and Chris have pledged to donate the surplus to the RNLI.

"A foot and bicycle ferry has served these communities for more than 100 years, connecting families and businesses and delighting tourists who wanted to cross the busy harbour."

Lucy said: "We are desperate to resume our ferry operation next season, save our livelihood and continue to serve the communities of Harwich, Shotley and Felixstowe, but we need support.

"We are grateful to the team at Harwich Haven Authority, the RNLI and other members of the wonderful community in Harwich who have already rallied around to support us and offered so much practical help and advice."

Go to Just Giving page and please help save Shotley to Harwich ferry