The number of people crossing the English Channel using P&O Ferries in August was the highest for any month since 2003.

The Dover-based firm carried 1,177,053 across the strait, recording a 2.5% increase on the previous year.

It came after a “strong performance” in July where P&O carried more units of freight, 123,000 in total, than any other month in its modern history.

Helen Deeble, chief executive of P&O Ferries, said: “This summer has been one of the most challenging ever for cross-Channel travel and I am very pleased that P&O Ferries has helped to keep tourists and freight moving between Britain and France in huge numbers.

“We have been able to carry well over a million people in August because of our investment in the new Spirit-class of ships which have helped to transform our customers’ experience of cross-Channel travel.

“The Spirit of Britain and the Spirit of France are both capable of carrying 2,000 passengers, twice the capacity of a standard ferry, while offering a first class dining, leisure and retail experience.

“We expect further busy periods during the half-term holiday and also the winter sports season, with a growing number of skiers choosing to drive to the Alps via one of our ferries rather than fly.”

Industrial action by French seamen which closed the port of Calais for several days during the peak season has not affected the figures.

It brought a sixth ship back into service on the English Channel in July to increase capacity.

It has also seen higher demand because of the disruption at Eurotunnel.