GIRLS Aloud fans feared that they would miss the boat today as they set off on their pilgrimage across the Solent to watch the superstar group headline a gig on the Isle of Wight.

The ferry due to leave at 6pm was hit by delays after it is believed that a vehicle got stuck at the terminal.

Red Funnel chiefs took swift action to make sure that those heading for the sell out concert at Osborne House would not miss the show.

Car passengers were able to leave their keys at the terminal and switch to the Red Jet Hi-Speed service, making sure that they got there in plenty of time for when the pop lovelies stepped out on stage.

Girls Aloud fan Catherine Collis, 38, from Bristol, who was seeing the band for the first time, said: "We had just come out of the ticket office when we were told that there was a problem with the ferry.

"We were able to leave our car keys at the ticket office and they gave us a free ticket for the fast service.

"Everyone kept very calm and no one was angry. Red Funnel handled it very well."

The fast service left at just after 6.30pm.