All ferry sailings from Dover to Calais, have been suspended, and a ship heading for Boulogne has been diverted to Dieppe, because of industrial action by French fishermen.

Fishing boats are being used to block the harbour at Calais, Boulogne and Dunkirk in a protest over fishing quotas.

LD Lines' first service sailed to Boulogne as normal at 7am this morning, but the afternoon sailing was diverted to Dieppe.

Motorists arriving at Boulogne hoping to sail to Dover were told they would have to drive to Dieppe to catch the ferry there.

The action was extended to Calais and Dunkirk this afternoon, and no ferries were able to enter or leave the port.

P&O Ferries confirmed one of their ships was trapped on the berth in Calais, but was empty. Another was at anchor off the French port and a third was on its way to Calais in the hope the blockade would be lifted.

Police have implemented Operation Stack to cope with traffic problems on the approaches to Dover.