A RAILWAY station to serve Kent International Airport at Manston and link through to the Thanet towns, Sandwich and Herne Bay via the proposed domestic Channel Tunnel rail link is a step nearer, according to an MP.

Roger Gale, who represents North Thanet, has campaigned for a Thanet Parkway station for ten years and is "hugely encouraged" following a meeting with Roger Jones, director of franchise for the Strategic Rail Authority.

Mr Gale said: "I am more convinced than ever that this can be achieved. Like the East Kent Access Road, this project is vital to the economic development not just of the airport but of the whole of area."

Also discussed at the meeting were the refurbishment of Margate and Herne Bay stations and the need for more resources to combat anti-social behaviour on the railways in Kent.