They say every cloud has a silver lining and it couldn’t be more true for the people of The East Kent Railway Trust.

After missing out on a £50,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund and ITV’s The People’s Millions, the registered charity, based in Shepherdswell, has landed a bonus prize for exactly the same amount.

The charity was disheartened after losing out to Herne Bay Pier Trust in a head to head vote last Tuesday, but spirits were lifted only days later, when it was announced they had won the bonus prize, which was a grant for exactly the same amount as the winners - £50,000.

Gary Cox, funding and apprentice scheme liaison officer, said: “It was most unexpected. It was a bit of a rollercoaster week. We were quite disappointed but then we had a phone call on the Thursday asking us to go over to the railway. We were only expecting a small piece. I was lost for words, which doesn’t happen very often.”

East Kent Railway volunteers have spent more than 20 years restoring the mining heritage railway as a tourist attraction that runs from Shepherdswell to Eythorne. Plans to bring back steam locomotives to restore the hidden gem to its former glory can now go ahead. The grant money will also help the railway to expand its training and apprentice schemes.

Mr Cox said: “The money will be used wisely, finishing off the car park and roads around the cafe area, on the miniature railway and picnic area at Shepherdswell and to develop a play area at the Eythorne station.”

Mr Cox also intends to improve safety and security and to generally make things ship-shape before the summer.

He added: “It’s a real boost for the railway. Our volunteers have done a lot of work and deserve this.”

For more information visit www.eastkentrailway.co.uk or to join the team of volunteers email geryekr@sky.com