A century-old heritage railway attraction hit by an unsolved arson attack and then a global pandemic in the space of six months has secured its future with vital funding.

East Kent Railway Trust had irreplaceable artefacts and £15,000 worth of equipment destroyed when a fire ripped through its station in Shepherdswell near Dover in October.

General Manager Matthew Plews said things had been going “extremely well” since the fire, until the coronavirus outbreak forced another closure last month.

But with the help of Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke, the trust has secured a £10,000 grant from Dover District Council.

Mr Plews said: “We were desperately seeking funding to sustain the railway through this period. We are grateful for the assistance of Natalie and her team in obtaining a £10,000 grant.

“The trust’s management has been rationalising its costs and this funding will help to secure the last live link to the Kent Coalfields during this difficult period.

“We look forward to the time we can reopen and welcome our visitors back. In the meantime, we encourage all small firms to apply for funding where eligible.”

The East Kent Railway was constructed between 1911 and 1917 and carried passengers up until 1948. It was still a thriving industrial line until 1987.

In 1993, a light railway order was obtained, allowing regular passenger trains to run after an absence of more than 40 years.

A new station has since been built at Eythorne, with the railway becoming a charitable trust in 2003.

It's since offered passengers a four-mile round trip on a scenic route between Shepherdswell and Eythorne including at Christmas.

With no income since its special Santa trips, the trust approached newly elected Dover & Deal MP Natalie Elphicke, who raised their situation with Dover District Council.

Mrs Elphicke said: “This is a really positive story at what is clearly a difficult time.

“The East Kent Railway has been around since before the First World War. It has seen this country and this community endure all sorts of ups and downs.

“Yet it is our hallmark that we look out for each other. From our brave doctors, nurses and care workers to our Super Neighbours, and every key worker and every single person sticking to the rules, the way so many have swung into action to help others makes me so proud.

“We know the next few months will not be easy. Yet with the fellowship we provide each other I know that we won’t simply get through it.

"We will emerge stronger than ever.”

The owners have been unable to seek justice for the arson attack.

A police spokesman said: "Officers have carried out an investigation, including an examination of CCTV, but there is insufficient evidence to identify any suspects.

"Should any further information come to light, this will be fully explored."

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