A rare heritage train has been badly damaged by vandals - and fixing it could cost thousands of pounds.

The Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells said the attack happened overnight on Sunday (April 20).

Two carriages were sprayed with graffiti leaving volunteers and visitors devastated.

The damage was discovered the next morning by a volunteer who came to open up for visitors.

Spa Valley Railway is a volunteer-run charity that operates vintage steam and diesel trains through the High Weald countryside, along a five-mile route between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge.

The train, called Demu 1317, is a Class 207 diesel train built in the 1960s.

It is one of the last original, unrestored trains of its type left in the world having last operated on the public rail network in July 1985.

“Repairing the damage will take money away from other urgent projects,” said Jonnie Pay, general manager for the charity.

“We’re not sharing photos of the graffiti - giving the vandals the attention they crave is the last thing we want.

“It’s not just the case of removing graffiti, the paint underneath is badly damaged, we can't just buy paint from B&Q or anything like that. A tin cost £500.”

Mr Pay says fortunately they’ve got very highly skilled volunteers in-house that can repair the train’s bodywork, although it will divert their attention away from other precious projects.

“To get it done professionally you'd be looking at somewhere around £30,000,” he added.

The Demu 1317 train has been looked after by the charity since 2004.

Railway enthusiasts have spent thousands of hours and pounds keeping it running and in good condition.

“There are no words to describe how upset we are,” Jonnie added

“To see it treated like this is devastating.”

The railway has CCTV, but he says the vandals struck in a dark area not covered by cameras.

“If you know anything about who did this, please contact us,” he added. “We’ll only pass the details to the police.”

A police spokesman said: “Anyone with information is urged to call the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference BOS-26130-25-4693-IR.

“Local residents with private CCTV or drivers with dashcam, who may have been in the area at the time of the incident, are also asked to check for footage.”

Meanwhile, the charity is asking for donations to help pay for the repairs and to keep other projects running.

This includes its Broom Lane Bridge Appeal project to repair and replace an important bridge on its railway line. Click here to donate or get involved.

“This train isn’t just old, it’s an important part of railway history,” Jonnie said.

“We’re proud to keep it going.

“But we need help now more than ever.”