A huge Disney cruise ship which had become a mainstay in Dover during the pandemic has departed Kent shores.

The 11-deck luxury liner, named Disney Magic, spent 15 months at the town's port - only leaving on the odd day to switch crew in northern France.

But now the much-loved vessel - which has a giant Goofy hanging from the stern - has been given a send-off from the county.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse made an appearance last weekend as crew waved goodbye to Dover during Saturday's departure.

The ship had become a familiar and heart-warming sight for residents throughout the pandemic, and Disney fans made trips down to the coast to see the liner when restrictions began to ease.

Following its farewell from Dover, Magic is now hosting its first cruises since early 2020. It is running trips from Southampton for UK-only residents, and is currently in the Channel, near to Guernsey.

Dover District Council tweeted "bon voyage Goofy", while the Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel posted: "Having been neighbours and sharing the same views over the harbour, we're sure going to miss her now she's gone. We wish her fair winds and following seas!"

Large silhouettes of Mickey Mouse are painted on the ship's red funnels and the boat's horn blasts out the well-known Pinocchio tune, When You Wish Upon a Star.

When operational, it carries up to 2,700 passengers.

It is registered to the port of Nassau in the Bahamas, and the interior is in Art Deco style.

Disney Magic, which was the first cruise ship launched by the world famous company in the late 90s, was set to tour Europe this year but its calendar has been cleared until August 10.

Back in October, sister ship Disney Wonder also arrived in Dover.

It is now across the Atlantic off the coast off Florida in Orlando.

With Disney Magic having left Dover, the Saga cruise ship Spirit of Adventure - which launched just last year - is currently docked in the port.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover