THE SEASON will end for the Cathedral Ferry in Worcester, when the last passenger of 2014 is safely landed, this Sunday.

But the ferry team, which is always on the lookout for new volunteers, is celebrating a relatively trouble-free summer season, with hundreds raised for various charities

Ferry service spokesman, Mark Glossop said: "We have had a good season with very few days lost to weather – water levels have been some of the lowest since we started in 1983.

"We should be able to give away £600-£700, all being well."

Charities to benefit from the ferry service over the years have included Acorns, St Richard's Hospice, the Air Ambulance, the Cathedral Restoration Appeal, Maggs Day Centre, St Paul's Hostel, Swan Rescue, Warndon Youth Forum, the RNLI, Rose Hill School, Dines Green Family Care, and the Ambulance Service.

Mr Glossop said: "Our last operating day this year will be Sunday, September 14. We will take the boat out of the water and into winter quarters the following weekend, so I invite people to come down for a crossing this weekend – or you will have to walk round over the bridge until next spring!"

He added: "One new ferryman came on to the team this year after passing his test. We would still welcome one or two more to join us next year – no experience needed as full training is provided. Anyone able-bodied and willing to give five or six summer weekend afternoons on the river to help us raise funds for local causes will be very welcome."

Volunteers will be in good and ancient company.

Historians and archaeologists believe there has been a river crossing at this precise location for about 4,000 years, though the recorded history of the ferry dates back to only the 1300s when it was established to take monks, milkmaids and herdsmen across the Severn to the monastic meadows opposite the cathedral.