The seafront at Margate

A £10 train ticket from London to Margate is to be extended... after Southeastern saw a 70% boost in weekend bookings.

The Portas Pilot return ticket was orginally introduced last November for the winter months in support of the Portas Pilot regeneration of Margate.

So far 1,610 tickets have been sold, and weekend travel to the Kent seaside town has risen.

The train giant is now offering the cheap return ticket until Easter.

Sarah Boundy, head of customer services for Southeastern, said: “The £10 ticket is in support of the regeneration of Margate and has been successful in encouraging more visitors to the town at weekends. It’s part of our focus and commitment to support the local community.

“The ticket is less than a third of a regular-priced fare and we’ve seen a good take-up of the offer over winter, so we’re pleased to extend the promotion for another month until Easter."

The ‘Portas Pilot’ ticket is valid for return travel every weekend until March 31, but the tickets are only available to buy online from southeasternrailway.co.uk/portaspilot.

The move comes as a storm of controversy builds over the amount spent under the scheme in various towns.

The Portas Pilot scheme was set up by the government to rejuvenate town centres around the UK.

Self-styled 'Queen of Shops' Mary Portas has been involved in helping successful bidders for a slice of the £1.1m available nationally.

But it's been revealed traders in Margate - which won a £100,000 grant - have spent just over £100 so far.

Ideas suggested to develop the town include displaying art in abandoned shop fronts.

But, after she was brought in last May, the four people who led the original Town Team grant application have all resigned and claim Portas' plans had 'no substance'.