A FLOOD-HIT bridge valued as “a lifeline” to locals was royally reopened by Sidmouth’s King of Chit last week.

Bob Williams was on hand to celebrate the link from The Byes to Lawn Vista - closed since November after a torrent of water washed through the park and destroyed its handrails – being back in action.

Sidmouth rambler Lauren Bradshaw, who was at the ceremony, said: “I am thrilled by the reopening. The council has made an excellent job.”

Adrian Ricketts also attended and described the bridge as “a lifeline” to nearby residents.

Residents had feared the link might not be repaired.

However, the bridge’s handrails were replaced and it was resurfaced with tarmac.

Bob penned a poem about the bridge to mark the occasion, turn to page 10 to read it.