Connecting a heritage railway to the mainline will bring jobs and prosperity, according to a new report.

The railway extension, if approved, would complete a 14-mile section of heritage line between Tenterden and Robertsbridge stations, where trains go onto London Charing Cross.

The findings of a study issued by international economic consultancy Steer Davies Gleave show a raft of benefits to closing the two-mile gap linking the heritage Rother Valley Railway (RVR) to the mainline at Robertsbridge in east Sussex.

Tenterden was on a branch line until 1954, after which hoppers' specials that carried agricultural workers from London to the Kent hop fields operated to Bodiam and Northiam until 1961.

The initial findings of the report, commissioned by RVR, show an overall economic benefit of £4.1 million per year from the joining up of the lines, while 75 jobs would be created, 22 of which would be on the railways.

Train operator Southeastern would enjoy increased passenger numbers via Robertsbridge, bringing additional revenues of £600,000 per year, according to the report.

RVR bosses are preparing a Transport Works Act order, which is equivalent to higher level planning permission and it's set to go before the transport secretary by April.

But they are locked in a bitter battle with landowners who are affected by the railway extension and unwilling to sell.

Tenterden town councillor Sue Ferguson said; "The railway extension is absolutely fantastic news for Tenterden. It will boost the high street in Tenterden and also in Robertsbridge.

"We want more tourists in Tenterden and it's great that visitors from London could come here for a day trip and visit our shops and attractions.

"I want to say well done to RVR for getting to this stage. It's a really fantastic achievement."

RVR spokesman Trevor Streeter said the link-up would bring tourist destinations such as Chapel Down vineyard and Bodiam Castle within easier reach of visitors from the captial.