A chance to travel on the luxurious Orient Express on its first visit to Maidstone proved so popular it sold out in two weeks.

The Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford had organised the event to take place on Saturday, July 4, with the train leaving Maidstone East - and just 220 people would be aboard.

But the pull of a luxurious day out so close to home and the chance to be the first to travel on the famous train during its first stop at Maidstone made it a sell-out.

Despite tickets costing £299 each, organisers were overwhelmed by the response, partly after it was featured on the Kent Messenger’s front page.

Now hospice managers have managed to secure a second trip, which will be held on Saturday, September 26, also leaving from Maidstone East station.

Organisers plan to make passengers feel extra special with a jazz band greeting them when they arrive.

To book, contact Richard Neville on 01622 790195 or send an email to Richard.neville@hokh.co.uk