THE Steam Packet Company has rescheduled today's ferry services to avoid strong gale force winds.

The Ben-my-Chree left Douglas at 7am this morning, instead of 8.45am, and will return from Heysham at 12pm, instead of 2.15pm.

Passengers who are travelling on the 12pm sailing have been requested to check in no later than 11.30am.

The 7.45pm sailing from Douglas to Heysham and the return sailing at 2.15am tomorrow (Thursday) may be disrupted as there are severe gales of up to 60 miles per hour predicted.

A further update on these two sailings will be issued by the Steam Packet Company at 5pm.

Passengers who are due to travel today who would like more information should contact the reservations team on 01624645745.