Residents and Southeastern employees have been commended for their actions after a train derailed near the village earlier this year.

The awards have been handed out following an incident in July that saw a late-night train hit a herd of cows that had wandered onto the track near Chilham.

Five cows were killed in the impact.

None of the 70 passengers on-board were hurt but they were taken to nearby Godmersham village hall afterwards while alternative transport was arranged.

Now Godmersham villagers together with Southeastern employees working on the night, have been given a special executive award for their actions in the aftermath of the collision, that included offering shelter for shocked passengers in the village hall and providing refreshments for those affected.

The award formed part of a special employee ceremony held annually by the train company to reward those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their jobs.

But the committee that picks the winners was so impressed by the caring and compassionate way that people in Godmersham acted they decided to include them as well.

Southeastern has also donated £2,000 for a storage container for the village hall as a thank you to its members for sheltering passengers throughout the night and into the early hours. The container will help to keep the hall’s equipment safely locked away.

Matthew Gee, the resident responsible for unlocking the village hall for the passengers, said: “When we heard the train had derailed nearby, we immediately wanted to help in whatever way we could.

"It was a real team effort between the Southeastern team and the members of the village hall and I’m really proud of the local residents who helped provide hot drinks and food for the passengers.”

The award also recognises the quick-thinking and conscientious efforts of Southeastern employees Warren Wills, Tim Hewitt, Michelle Harris, and Paul Harris who led the passengers to safety and train driver Daryl Ryan who leapt from his cab to halt an approaching train after realising the derailment had caused his own train’s radio system to stop working.

Barbara Thomas, Souheastern passenger services director said: “We are so grateful to the members of Godmersham village hall who helped to accommodate our passengers and are delighted to be awarding the residents with our special Executive Award as well £2,000 for a storage container for their village hall.

"Similarly, the Southeastern team that dealt with the Chilham derailment exercised the highest degree of professionalism while acting calmly and responsibly to lead more than 70 passengers to safety.”