Plans to move a derailed train have been delayed until the new year.

It had been hoped the high-speed train, stuck at Ramsgate, could be recovered early this month.

But rail and train operators now say the holdup is because of a need for specialist equipment.

A spokesman for the Southeastern and Network Rail Alliance said: "We have a plan to re-rail and recover the damaged train at Ramsgate.

“However, given the need to use specialist equipment in order to do so, this will now be rescheduled as soon as possible in the new year.”

The Javelin train, moving at low speed, not in service and empty, came off its tracks on November 28 while in a depot area.

This happened under the Manston Road bridge near Ramsgate railway station. Nobody was injured.

Network Rail a few days later said it was hoped the train would be recovered by the weekend of December 7/8.

The cause of the crash is not so far confirmed but an investigation, led by Network Rail, has been launched.