Rail jobs could be created in a project to build a new station building at Smitham station.

Construction work on the new structure is expected to start this autumn and is due for completion by the early part of next year.

The existing structure has been deemed no longer fit for purpose having been built more than a century ago.

Network Rail's Sussex route director Fiona Taylor said that the development is "great news for Smitham passengers".

"The station building is well beyond its useful life and needs to be upgraded to provide facilities which are more appropriate for the modern passenger," she commented.

"[The building] will not only improve the look and functionality of the station, we will be able to install it in a way which will minimise disruption for passengers."

Train company Southern said the station "should more than meet the requirements" for rail passengers over the coming years.

Network Rail announced last month that the initial stage of the £450 million King's Cross redevelopment project had been completed.