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Hundreds of locals flocked to Deal Station on Saturday to give a huge 'Welcome to Deal' for the 200 passengers visiting the town on the world-famous Orient Express train, on the first of four UK Pullman 'Discover Deal' excursions in 2012.
Founders of Deal station's new café 'Platform 1', Nick and Andy Stevens, along with local independent traders The Just Reproach and The Bohemian, jointly organised the reception for visitors and all were on hand to provide information of their popular town centre establishments and other Deal attractions to visit during passengers' two-hour stay.
Nick Stevens, who was interviewed live on BBC Radio Kent's Pat Marsh Breakfast Show on Saturday morning, said : "We'd like to thank all the local people who came to the station to not just see the world famous train, but who gave visitors such a wonderful welcome. We were determined to make a positive impression by maximising this opportunity to showcase the town to visitors, many of whom were visiting Deal for the first time and whom we hope will return time and time again."
"Our new retro-style 'Platform 1' café proved hugely popular with many visitors and we look forward to welcoming many more on future 'Discover Deal' excursion visits in 2012."
Platform 1 cafe co-owner Andy Stevens added: "It was a fabulous event for the town, and brilliant to see so many people flocking to the station to welcome our guests. That sort of friendly welcome is what Deal is all about - and thankfully it was wonderful weather too, showing the town in its very best light.
"The feedback from Orient Express passengers and train staff we spoke to was marvellous and really positive: they really enjoyed their short stay in the town and the lovely welcome they received at the station. Let's hope lots of local businesses benefited from the Orient Express' first of four visits to Deal this year. It's all very good news for the town."
The next three Orient Express 'Discover Deal' excursions are on Friday 29th June, Saturday 18th August and Wednesday 26th September.
Evoking further memories of glorious eras of train travel, the iconic Golden Arrow steam train also travelled through Deal Station on Saturday, following the afternoon departure of the Orient Express UK Pullman.
'Platform 1' cafe is open Monday to Friday from 05.30am to 5.30pm and on Saturdays from 08.00am to 5.30pm, serving a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and selection of newspapers.
For more information go to facebook.com/platform1deal or twitter.com @platform1deal