MEMORIES will come floating back today with the return of the River Wear ferry.

After an absence of almost a decade, the ferry is ready to return and is to be launched by the Mayor of Sunderland, councillor Ken Murray.

Sunderland's last ferry, known as the Little Waster, was wrecked in 1992 when it was struck by a cargo ship.

The new boat, the Brokaela, will provide pleasure trips, educational cruises for children and private functions.