Train operator Southeastern insists it is "happy" with sales of cut-price rail fares from London to Margate - despite failing to sell out on their opening weekend.

A total of 500 heavily-discounted tickets from the capital to the seaside town launched on Saturday.

The Portas Pilot tickets have been inspired by retail guru Mary Portas, who opened two shops in the seaside town last month to help its regeneration.

The cheap fairs will be available every weekend until Sunday, February 24 next year - with the aim of boosting visitor numbers to the town.

The ticket costs less than a third of a regular off-peak adult day return from London to Margate, which is normally £31.10.

Southeastern spokesman Alison Nolan said: "We had a good response to the Portas Pilot ticket offer on the opening weekend.

"There were 500 tickets available, and while it wasn't a sell out, we were happy with the uptake.

"We hope that as more people become aware of this great value offer, we'll see more people take advantage of the cheap travel to Margate.

"The £10 tickets can be used on metro and mainline services, as well as our high speed Javelin services, so you can travel from London to Margate in just 90 minutes."

Southeastern is running discounted fares from London to Ramsgate

The 500 tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis every weekend.

Margate is one of 27 Portas Pilot towns picked across Britain.