DFDS will cancel all sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam in response to the latest government coronavirus advice to avoid all but essential travel.

The ferry company, which operates King Seaways and Princess Seaways between North Shields and Ijmuiden, said sailings will be cancelled from Saturday, March 21.

A statement from Kasper Moos, VP & Head of Passenger at DFDS said: "Following the introduction of many UK & Dutch government measures intended to delay the spread of COVID-19 virus, we regret to inform you that we will temporarily suspend sailings on our Amsterdam - Newcastle route.

"We fully understand the government’s precautions have important health goals, and as our priority is to ensure the safety and health of our customers and crew, we have taken this difficult decision."

What to do if you had a sailing booked

DFDS says its last departure from Amsterdam will be Saturday, March 21 and the last departure from Newcastle will be on Sunday, March 22.

Those with bookings are encouraged to rebook online for a later date but those that are not rebooked by April 3 will be automically cancelled and a travel credit issued.

For those wanting a full refund, passengers are asked to contact them via e-mail at travel.sales@dfds.com

A spokesperson added: "We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our valued passengers."

It said the suspension would be in place until 13 April at the 'earliest'.