A railway line has reopened after an umbrella caused substantial damage to the track.

Services were unable to run between Faversham and Margate yesterday evening due to urgent repairs to the track near Whitstable.

Trains were halted shortly before 4pm yesterday, to allow the repairs to be carried out.

Replacement buses were arranged to run between Faversham and Ramsgate via Herne Bay.

Some trains were diverted to run via Dover and Sandwich.

A statement by Southeastern yesterday said: "Whilst investigating reports of a power supply problem, response staff from Network Rail have found damage to the track near Whitstable after an umbrella came into contact with the rail that provides power to our trains.

"The repairs that are needed are quite substantial and we do not expect the line to reopen again today."

A spokesperson for Network Rail confirmed damage was caused to the coast-bound line near Joy Lane, Seasalter.

"We believe an umbrella short circuited the 750V live rail with the running rail, and started a fire," they said. "The intensity of the arcing between the rails caused the damage.

"It’s very unlikely we’ll be able to run trains on the coast-bound line tonight, and we’re working with Southeastern on whether we can run in the other direction.

"Bear in mind, even if the [London-bound] line is open, if we can’t get trains down the other end, there won’t be any trains there to come back."

Southeastern confirmed this morning repairs have been carried out and the line has reopened.

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