Network Rail built a new disabled access ramp for a Kent children's hospice disrupted by its works, and donated £3,500 to say thanks.

Demelza House in Bobbing, near Sittingbourne, was right next to one of the company's major construction sites earlier this year following a landslip on the line at Newington.

In late January emergency works were needed following a 40-metre landslip, closing the line for 15 days while the bank was repaired.

Despite the weeks of work to repair the damage Network Rail said the hospice was "very understanding", so it wanted to say thank you.

As well as building a new access ramp, with the help of suppliers Balfour Beatty and Seva, the company completed works in the Rook Lane site's gardens and handed over a £3,500 cheque.

Operation manager for Demelza, Tim Richards, said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve now got a ramp for those children who are wheelchair-bound to directly access the gardens.

"This is something we’ve wanted to do for a couple of years and it’s not something we’ve been able to put the pennies towards in recent times.

'It means even more to be able to help them back...'

"To get this opportunity has been absolutely fantastic for us.”

Route planner for Network Rail, Fiona Taylor, said: “I’m so grateful for Demelza’s understanding and support of our teams this winter.

"We had to do a great deal of work at very short notice, with colleagues and machinery all descending on Bobbing, and it meant a lot to have the backing of the hospice.

"It means even more to be able to help them back.”

Gregg Smith, managing director for Seva Rail, added: "These types of projects are always extremely disruptive to the surrounding communities and even more so to those providing such important resources as Demelza does.

"We are really pleased and honoured to play our small part in helping support their great work.’’

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne