Trains are unable to run on part of the popular Spa Valley Railway line after a lorry hit a bridge.

Bosses say the over-height HGV has caused serious damage meaning services to Eridge and Groombridge from Tunbridge Wells can no longer operate.

The railway will remain shut at Broom Lane until repairs have been completed.

It is feared much needed revenue will be lost as trains will only be able to run from the spa town to High Rocks while the time-consuming repairs take place.

Chairman Chris MacRae said: “Unfortunately this is not the first time that our bridges including the A26 Eridge Road Bridge have been struck and damaged by over-height HGVs that have ignored road signage of the height restrictions and have hit our bridges, closing the railway while inspections and repairs are carried out.

“Legislation exists that requires the height of vehicles to be marked in the cab, for drivers to know and measure the height of their vehicles, and for roads authorities to mark the height of bridges that vehicles can safety pass under. Yet time and again we are the innocent victim of these criminal bridge strikes by over-height vehicles and seem powerless to protect ourselves.

“As an entirely volunteer run railway that carries 40,000 visitors per year every time the railway cannot operate the railway experiences considerable financial strain.”

It is also thought the lack of trains running on the tourist attraction could impact on the number of visitors coming to the town.

Jonnie Wesson, General Manager of the Railway said: “This incident means we are unable to operate any trains over the bridge until repairs have been undertaken. This is an absolutely devastating blow for the Spa Valley Railway and our volunteers.

“This weekend services will operate between Tunbridge West and the damaged bridge, calling at High Rocks in one direction but will be unable to continue to Groombridge or Eridge until the bridge is repaired.”

A site has been set up for donations to help pay for the repair work.