Passengers can now get snap happy on the trains - by taking out a loan from the "world's first selfie stick library".

Southeastern is launching what is effectively a library for the camera gadget in a bid to encourage more passengers to record their memories while exploring the Kent countryside and beyond.

The selfie sticks are free - but the train firm is urging passengers to return them for others to use after their trip.

It comes after research carried out last month found almost a fifth (18%) of Brits are snapping at least one selfie whenever they go somewhere significant - such as a birthday party or a city break.

And over half of those who had taken a selfie said they would rather do that than ask a stranger to take it for them.

The pilot scheme aims to capture the "hidden gems" to be found within the company's network, from quaint restaurants and hidden shops to some of the stunning attractions around the south east.

Sticks will be available to passengers at Waterloo East, Canterbury West, Margate, Dover and Tonbridge.

Barbara Thomas, passenger services director at Southeastern, said: "In peak summer holiday season there will be plenty of families enjoying days out and taking lots of pictures as they go.

"It's such a shame when someone gets left out of a great shot because they're the designated photographer, so we're giving passengers a selfie stick to make sure that doesn’t happen.

"We want passengers to go out and discover the best that the South East has to offer and to share their experiences with us on Facebook."