CROSS-CHANNEL ferries to and from Poole have been cancelled due to predicted gale force winds and the arrival of Storm Atiyah this evening and tomorrow.

Brittany Ferries has cancelled tonight's 6.30pm service from Cherbourg to Poole and the 8.30am service from Poole to Cherbourg tomorrow.

The company has apologised to all passengers concerned and urged them to look for updates on its website.

"Storm Atiyah is approaching Ireland, the UK and the north west coast of France" said a spokesman. "With it will come strong winds and waves in excess of 10 metres.

"For safety reasons, Brittany Ferries has therefore cancelled a number of services operating on the English Channel and through the Bay of Biscay today and tomorrow."

For latest information go to brittany-ferries.co.uk/ferry-routes/planning/sailing-updates