THE season has started for the owner of a ferry boat that takes passengers to Piel Island.

Easter weekend proved ‘very busy’ for Piel Ferry as they opened on Bank Holiday Friday for the first time this year.

Owner Paul Wilcock said his boats are sailing every day, weather permitting.

Ferries have been making the journey and taking people across the sea to Piel Island since the 14th century. Piel Ferry has been running for years and has been passed on, traded and bought by a number of owners. Paul took over the company four years ago.

With three boats in operation, an 11-seater and two 12-seat passenger ferries, Paul is preparing for a busy season which will run now until September.

Piel Ferry is open and running and preparing to begin their seal-watching journeys later this month when the weather becomes milder.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions prevented travelling abroad, more people have been looking towards stay-cations and enjoying what the UK has to offer. This has been great for Piel Ferry, which has been 'really busy' in the past few years, said Paul.

"It's a nice little mini break to get the ferry, take your tent, and camp on the island with the pub and the castle. Kids love swimming in the water and we get a lot of walkers who want to go and explore," Paul said.

The ferryman has 'always' lived around the sea and grew up on Roa Island.

Paul has also been a member of Furness RNLI for 25 years so he has a good understanding of the area and the water.

"I love it," he said. "Meeting so many new people is great. I get to share my experience and knowledge and answer everyone's questions. It's really nice when the weather is good."

Paul said the busiest time is the six weeks of school holiday in July and August.

"When the kids are off we have all three boats running backward and forwards non-stop,” he said.

Piel Island was given to the town in 1920 as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War.