A Mersey Ferry is set to be back on the river this weekend after a six-week absence.

The Snowdrop ‘Dazzle Ferry’ has passed its planned a main engine service along with a series of electrical tests and sea trials.

From Monday, November 21, the ferry will resume its commuter service in time for the Wirral Loop Line Track Renewal works in January.

The service had halted due to the Royal Iris suffering from mechanical issues on Thursday, October 13, while Snowdrop went through a regular service.

No date has been announce for the return of the Iris but repairs are “progressing well.”

Head of customer delivery with operational responsibility for the Mersey Ferries Gary Evans said: “We know that people want to see the ferry service back in operation and we have been working round the clock for the past few weeks with specialist engineers to do this.

“The engine refurbishment has been planned for a number of months and is absolutely essential for the long term reliability of the Ferries. I also want to take the opportunity to thank commuters and tourists for their continued cooperation and patience during this time.

“Works with the Royal Iris are progressing and we are committed to ensure the problems she encountered in October 2016 are fully understood and the root cause resolved before returning her to full service so that the Mersey Ferries are all set to offer an alternative cross river transport option for the forthcoming Wirral loop line track renewal works and are ready for the 2017 season.”