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Following a long-running campaign which included an 11,000-name petition against Eurostar's move to cut Ashford's Paris services and end Brussels services when Ebbsfleet opens, passengers are to be given a free travel deal.

Cross-Channel rail passengers will get free travel on local railway services in Kent when the new Ebbsfleet International Station opens.

Eurostar's deal with Southeastern will give free links between Ebbsfleet and Ashford, and other stations nearby.

A Eurostar statement on Tuesday (19 June) said that from 19 November, when Ebbsfleet opens, Ashford will have three daily services to Paris, a daily train to Disneyland, and weekly services to the French Alps and Avignon.

Ebbsfleet will have seven daily services to Paris and five daily services to Brussels.

The rail company has also said parking charges at Ebbsfleet will match those at Ashford, while frequent travellers will get free parking for trips of up to four days at both stations.

Richard Brown, chief executive, said: "We are fully committed to ensuring the best possible level of Eurostar service for the people of Kent."

He said the two stations together would have "significantly more services that will strengthen Kent's international links and its position at the crossroads between the UK and the continent".