HEYSHAM port will miss out on thousands of passengers this Summer as the Isle of Man closes its doors to TT racers.

The Citizen revealed last week that the races were under threat because the island, currently free of foot and mouth, feared that the influx of visitors would spread the disease.

It is the first cancellation of the races, which were due to take place from May 26 to June 8, since they began in 1907.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, which runs ferries to the island, says it hopes many race fans will still make the trip, either during the week of the festival or later in the year.

A spokesman said: "Obviously we are very disappointed at the cancellation of the races. All we can say is that we will be trying to maximise the number of people using the port of Heysham, but obviously it is going to have a detrimental impact on passenger numbers.

"But it stands to reason that we will be encouraging as many people as possible to continue to visit the Isle of Man."

A letter has been sent to fans who have booked tickets for the festival sailings, offering them the chance to go ahead with their journey or transferring their booking to later in the year or visit next year's festival at this year's fares.

The news also comes as a blow to Morecambe's own motorcycling star, John McGuinness.

The former British 250cc champion builds his season around the TT and he finished third in the formula one race last year, as well as winning two other races.

McGuinness told The Citizen: "I'm really disappointed. We've been gearing up for this since I struck the deal with Honda last November, so it's six months of hard work down the drain.

"It will cost me money, but fortunately, I've got a 12 round British championship race to support me, but some of the other lads really rely on the TT.

"But I am sure that the Isle of Man Government has made the right decision if they want to keep this disease out.

"I just hope people over there don't think they can get on without the TT. I want the festival to survive."