High-speed rail services will continue to run in Deal and Sandwich until October next year, it has been announced today.

The deal was negotiated by the Department for Transport as it gave Southeastern a six-month extension of its franchise.

In a further boost to commuters, the government says it is developing plans to continue the route after that date until it awards the next full franchise in June 2018.

But campaigners say the announcement does not go far enough because they were promised a seven-day a week service.

Southeastern is widely expected to be awarded an extension of its contract until June 2018, known as a direct award.

The rail operator runs eight services each weekday from London St Pancras International to Deal and Sandwich, using parts of the HS1 network.

Rail minister Stephen Hammond said: "This is good news for passengers and local businesses along the route and provides certainty in the short term.

"Over the coming months my officials will be looking at developing plans for the new direct award franchise and I am keen to see this vital route continue.

"We recognise the importance of strong transport links to communities and the benefits it delivers to economic growth locally.

"This is why we are investing record amounts into our rail network, improving services for passengers and getting the best deal for taxpayers."

Southeastern managaing director Charles Horton said: "Our high speed services continue to achieve some of the highest customer satisfaction rates in the country.

"We're pleased to be able to continue to provide the service to Sandwich and Deal.

"We know our passengers value this service and the faster journey times to and from London."

Campaigners argue that Deal and Sandwich should have had a seven-day service implemented long ago.

The move was originally recommended as part of the Rail Action Plan for Kent presented to the Transport Minister by Kent County Council in 2011.

Trains4Deal campaigner Tom Rowland said: “We are pleased the service will not be completely stopped but we were promised a seven-day service, with off-peak trains from March next year and that is not going to happen.

“What has been announced is the absolute minimum requirement. The campaign continues.”

Investment group Locate in Kent say the announcement is another sign of the regeneration happening in the area.

Chief executive Paul Wookey said: “East Kent now attracts more inquiries from companies than any other area of the county and is an area we are promoting heavily to companies looking to relocate to or within the county.

“While sites such as Discovery Park at Sandwich have a compelling offer, as witnessed by a number of investment announcements there in recent weeks, high-speed rail links to London are vitally important to the area’s continued regeneration.”