There was good news for commuters this morning after trains were able to use the entire length of the Hastings to Tonbridge railway line for the first time in two months.

Buses have replaced trains between Battle and Robertsbridge since January 30 due to serious landslips on the line.

Network Rail had hoped to fully re-open the route in early March, but the Whatlington slip moved again, despite considerable work having taken place to fix it.

Since then, engineers have been working 24 hours a day to repair the damage and have announced they will be able to re-open the railway early next week.

Network Rail’s route managing director for Kent, Fiona Taylor, said: “This has been a really difficult time for passengers on the line and I have been continually impressed by their patience and understanding.

"We have had a serious engineering challenge to meet at Whatlington, as well as at the other landslip sites, and it has taken a huge effort from everyone to get to this position.”

Test trains ran over the repaired slip at Whatlington before the line was open to passengers.