DFDS and LD Lines are chartering a second ship is to add to a new cross-channel ferry service between Dover and Calais.

The Barfleur is being chartered from Brittany Ferries to join the Norman Spirit on the route on April 27.

Both ships will be operated by French crews, with a total staff of 300.

DFDS said securing a second ship would double the frequency of its service to 10 daily departures from each port.

DFDS and LD Lines joined forces to operate on the route last month following the collapse of SeaFrance in January.

Three ferries were operated by SeaFrance on the short sea crossing.

The failure led to the loss of 127 jobs in Dover and hundreds more in France.