WORK to replace a bridge that was swept away by the flooding that followed Storm Desmond has been completed.

Opening the new bridge at Birks Mill, outside Sedbergh, Carl Lis, the chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “The construction of this wonderful new bridge has been achieved through great team work, both amongst those actually working on site, and those providing material and financial support.

“It will be a great boon to both the local community and the many visitors who come to walk in this beautiful part of the National Park”

The components for the bridge were supplied by Cumbria County Council and it was then constructed by Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority rangers, apprentices and volunteers in a little over two weeks.

A new ramp at one end, steps at the other and surfacing of the path at both ends completed the project.

Paul Wilkinson, National Park Authority Area Ranger, said: “The new bridge will save people expecting to cross the River Rawthey between Birks and Catholes a two kilometre detour via Millthrop. And walkers will be able to enjoy a number of circular routes around the town again for the first time in nearly a year.”

Financial support for the work has come from Cumbria County Council, the National Park Authority, Sedbergh Parish Council, Friends of the Lake District, HF Holidays (Pathways Fund), the Lancaster Group of the Ramblers’ Association and the Dales Way Association.