Sunday Times readers are being invited to take a ride on Dartmouth's Lower Ferry thanks to a district council- funded advertising campaign.

The council, which owns the ferry splashed out £460 for a 'bargain' advert in the Sunday Times magazine a fortnight ago.

The colour advertisement – nestled in among adverts for conservatories, luxury villages in Mallorca, sofas, jewellery and up-market underwear – invited readers to 'cross the River Dart' on the town's historic tug and float ferry.

The 4cm by 5cms ad also squeezes in the information the ferry is a 'fleet of tugs and floats providing a fast, frequent service with beautiful views across the river arriving and departing from Dartmouth and Kingswear'.

A council spokesman said: 'We were able to secure an advertisement with the Sunday Times for the special rate of £460 – which is good value for a national paper. Our aim was to raise the profile of the Lower Ferry and Dartmouth as a whole to a national audience, with a view to attracting visitors from further afield during the low season.'

'We are keen to increase the number of tourists using it as they tend to be less aware of the service than locals.'