THE restoration of a mediaeval two-span clapper bridge over the North Teign river in Gidleigh can be attributed to a great degree to the keen eyesight of a South Zeal man and a donation in memory of a loved one.
Brian Woolland contacted the Dartmoor National Park Authority after spotting one of the clapper stones and some of the pier stones from the bridge on the river bed when the river levels were low.
The bridge was swept away in a great flood in 1826 and the stones, together with the bridge abutments which were visible on both sides of the river bank, were all that was left.
It had been replaced by the 'Teign-e-ever' clapper bridge a little way downstream.
Part of the funding to restore the original bridge was a donation to the national park authority from a Kent family in memory of their 29-year-old son, a keen walker, who particularly loved that part of the moor.
The work took place in the summer, during which time the second original clapper stone was found, broken in two, on the river bed. Careful repair work has enabled it to be used in the restored bridge so that all the original elements that have been recovered are now in place.
The national park authority is very appreciative of the donation which has helped to benefit walkers who visit their part of the moor.
The authority's Moor Care project officer Sue Halse said: 'We are very happy with the project and are delighted the family think it is worthwhile.'
Spokesman John Weir added: 'The national park authority welcomes support for practical projects in preference to free-standing memorials.
'There is a general presumption against the siting of new memorials but each request is considered on its merits once the views of the landlord and other interests are known.
'The bridge is a very good way of remembering somebody.'