In pictures: Sussex steam railway expands by adding a new station

Railway enthusiast Kevin Boorman, who attended the event, said: “The new station at Robertsbridge Junction will ultimately be for trains to Bodiam, Northiam and Tenterden on the Rother Valley Railway/Kent and East Sussex railway.”

The Green Goddess Hastings diesel, based at West Marina, was used to celebrate the opening, and guests were invited to travel to Tonbridge and back on the train before it joined the heritage railway at Robertsbridge.

Speeches were made, including an appearance by Suzy Eddie Izzard, who talked about her passion for local railways, and her keenness to see the heritage line fully reopened between Robertsbridge and Bodiam.

Final speeches were made by former Bexhill MP and rail minister Huw Merriman and current rail minister Lord Hendy, before the Green Goddess broke the ribbon to mark the opening of the new station.

Guests were then able to travel on the short piece of track to Northbridge Street. The railway hopes to open the line, including three level crossings, in 2028.