Ferries regularly run to Liverpool and Heysham

The number of people going from Douglas Harbour in November was 15% higher than during the same month last year.

The Steam Packet Company sparked protests when it suspended the weekend service to Liverpool Pier Head between 9 November and 1 March.

Instead it sails the Ben-My-Chree from Douglas to Birkenhead in Wirral.

Captain Michael Brew, Director of Harbours, said: "At a time when the winter schedule has been the subject of some adverse comment, it is very pleasing to note that passenger traffic on the Liverpool/Birkenhead route has continued to increase."

More than 2,000 people have signed an online petition against the axing of the winter trips.