Rye rail action group Marshlink and Rye MP Michael Foster had campaigned hard to keep the service, saying it was vital for the prosperity of the area and the future of the Rye line.

They even held talks with the Transport Minister but Eurostar ignored all pleas to keep the service.

Instead they axed trains from Ashford in favour of the newly opened international terminal at Ebbsfleet, near Dartford.

Now a new direct train to Brussells will be reintroduced on December 14.

Speaking after the announcement, Michael Foster said: "I'm a big fan of Eurostar but the original decision to axe the Ashford Brussels service was wrong.

"We have been campaigning for reinstatement of the direct train for nearly a year and I applaud the recognition that we were right. This is a boon for the local economy, Rye residents and for the environment."

Eurostar says fast growing demand from travellers justifies the introduction of the extra service.

Simon Montague, director of communications, Eurostar, said: "We are delighted at the very strong increase in traveller numbers.

"The service will give travellers more options when planning a trip to the Belgian capital or a connecting journey to a destination elsewhere in Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany."

National rail watchdog Passenger Focus welcomed the decision, saying it was the result of intensive community lobbying.

Tunde Olatunji, from Passenger Focus, said: "This is absolutely the right decision for the loyal customers who have been using Ashford International and supporting Eurostar for well over 10 years."

But there are still problems with the services linking up. The first train of the day from Rye gets to Ashford International just 15 minutes before the Brussels train departs and it takes, on average, half an hour to book in at Ashford.

Marshlink Action Group chairman Stuart Harland said: "The only solution is to run an extra earlier train from Hastings to Rye to conncect with the service."

Mr Foster said: "The fact that the first Hastings to Ashford train arrives at 6.15am means it is too late to make the 6.27am connection to Brussels.

"It's true that Saturday travel, when the Eurostar leaves at 8.28am, makes a day in Brussels possible but the week day service must make the connection if it is to be a success.

"Eurostar state the 6.27am departure cannot be changed if business travellers are to arrive in Brussels by 9am.

"They have agreed, however, to lobby Southern Trains to timetable appropriate connections.

"I would urge everyone to use the service whenever possible to ensure it is not at risk of review or withdrawal. This new train makes a day trip to Brussels for business or pleasure a real possibility."

Mr Foster has also written to the managing director of Southern asking for the timetable to be revised so the early Ashford connection can be made.