Trustees of a charitable ferry service have vowed it will continue after thieves made off with the boat's outboard motor.

Chairman of the Wivenhoe Ferry Trust Bill Hignell said the £900 engine had been on the boat for seven years without any problems and was still there when the boat was moored up after Saturday's service.

The ferry was on floating moorings at Fingringhoe and footprints in the mud and on the boat suggested the culprits waded through the mud at low tide to cut the padlocks securing the engine.

The theft took place between 7.30pm on Saturday and 4pm the following day although Mr Hignell suspects the tide times would suggest it took place around midnight.

Mr Hignell said: "We will be running next weekend. I am not sure how yet, but we will."

The ferry trust operates a service between Wivenhoe, Fingringhoe and Rowhedge on a voluntary basis each weekend throughout the summer, tides permitting.

Anyone with information on the theft should contact Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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