Railway campaigners have welcomed new trains to a section of East Sussex track for the first time in more than 40 years.
The diesel Turbostar train carried out its inaugural run between Uckfield and Oxted with delighted members of the Wealden Line Campaign group as its first passengers.
Campaign director Brian Hart said: "This is a truly historic day for the line.
"Over the next year, South Central will be taking delivery of an entire fleet of these sleek and very comfortable trains.
"They will completely transform the travelling experience and are bound to encourage those who have been driven away to other lines to come back to using the route."
Campaigners are continuing to press the Strategic Rail Authority to allow seven miles of track to be opened between Uckfield and Lewes in order to create a new direct route to London.
Mr Hart believes the delivery of new train stock is a step towards this. He said: "If East Sussex is to catch up and thrive then it has got to happen."
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