A TANK used by the Germans during the Second World War occupation of Jersey is on its way back to Dorset - by ferry.

The 29-tonne French vehicle was shipped to a museum on the island on loan back in January.

Now nine months on Condor Ferries is set to bring the tank back to its resting place at the Bovington Tank Museum.

The Renault Char B1 was one of 16 French-built tanks actually based on Jersey and used by the Germans during the occupation.

Condor Ferries shipped the vehicle to the Jersey War Tunnels museum for a special wartime exhibition at the start of the year. Jersey manager Steve Bailey said: "We decided to waive all transport costs to enable everyone in Jersey to have a look at this amazing piece of our recent history."

The ferry firm has again agreed to transport the tank for free - but the movement of such a beast will not be easy.

It will arrive in Portsmouth in the early hours of September 23 before continuing its journey to Bovington by road.

Jersey Wall Tunnels chief executive Paul Simmonds said: "I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has made this tremendous initiative possible."