Lifts have been installed at a mainline railway station as part of a £5.8m improvement scheme.

It means for the first time wheelchair and pushchair users and those with mobility issues will be able to get from the ticket office at Chatham station to the platform more easily.

Previously the only way for wheelchair users to get in and out was to use a ramp outside the station in the car park – but they needed to get help from staff and a ticket from the guard. This ramp will remain open for blue badge holders.

The project, which includes two lifts, a new footbridge, CCTV cameras and PA speakers, has been funded by the government's Access for All programme.

It now means that Strood, Rochester and Gillingham all have better access for passengers.

Platforms at Rainham are on the same level as the ticket hall and entrance or via the rail crossing.

Sue Groves, disability campaigner,welcomed the changes at Chatham.

She said: "Chatham was not a priority because of the access at the back which I use.

"It's near the disabled parking bays and you can ask for assistance from staff and get a ticket off the guard if necessary rather than go back into the ticket office."

The contract is being carried out by Network Rail which has recently opened a 280-space cycle parking site.

Other improvements include resurfacing platforms and drainage works.

A major regeneration project to breathe new life into previously run-down areas near the station started at the end of 2018.

The aim has been to create clearer links between the station, Chatham town centre and the bus station.

It forms part of Medway Council's Chatham Placemaking initiative which has come about after the authority secured £700,000 from the government's Local Growth Fund.

The wider picture has seen upgrades to the New Cut junction, St John's Square, Military Square and Military Road.