Southeastern is to reintroduce a direct train from Sheerness to London.

The company announced the news on Monday as part of its improvement programme, which will come into effect in January next year.

Changes have been developed following consultations with passengers and stakeholders and the addition to the Sheppey line is part of what it is calling ‘long-term’ service improvements.

It will be a new direct service consisting of two trains during the morning peak and two in the evening peak.

Commuters have not been able to get into the capital without stopping at Sittingbourne since it was scrapped in the early 90s.

A spokesman said it will take 1 hour and 33 minutes for the journey from Sheerness to London Victoria.