Eurotunnel is celebrating carrying its 20 millionth truck in 20 years since opening.

The vehicle passed through the Channel Tunnel on March 25, on board a freight shuttle service travelling from Coquelles to Folkestone.

The truck belongs to Emons Cargo BV, part of the Dutch Emons Group which operates 160 double-deck trucks.

The firm’s commercial director Eric Driessen said: “We have used the Channel Tunnel since its opening 20 years ago.

“We are frequent users and we are delighted and proud to have the 20 millionth truck to cross the Channel on board a Eurotunnel Shuttle.

“Eurotunnel enables us to meet the high service and sustainability standards demanded by our customers.”

Freight shuttles run 365 days a year and carried almost 1.5 million trucks in 2013.

Eurotunnel commercial director Jo Willacy said: “We are especially pleased that the 20 millionth truck to cross the Channel through the Tunnel is part of one of our earliest customer’s fleets. It is recognition of the professionalism of our employees and the quality of the service we provide.”

Eurotunnel opened on July 25, 1994.

The firm is faced with having to close its MyFerryLink operation, running from Dover to Calais, following a provisional ruling against the operation by the Competition Commission.

A final decision is expected in May.