An MP claims efforts to revive tourism in his constituency are being "seriously hampered" by train company Govia.

Charles Hendry MP told a Commons debate potential visitors to the Wealden area, famous for its links with AA Milne, Rudyard Kipling and Conan Doyle, could be put off by the train operator's failure to provide a Sunday service.

Mr Hendry said it was vital for his constituency to lure tourists back after the September 11 attacks led to a slump.

Life was hard for tourism chiefs because anyone who visited would be unable to come and go as they wished.

He told Tessa Jowell, the Cabinet minister responsible for culture: "Tourism is of vital importance to my constituency.

"But the recovery is being seriously hampered by the rail service, which does not offer a Sunday service.

"People trying to come down for the weekend cannot go back until Monday morning."

"Will Mrs Jowell ask her officials to deal directly with Govia if her worthy words about rural tourism are to become a reality?"

Mrs Jowell said the Government was committed to helping tourism and the talks would take place.