WALKERS will be able to keep their feet dry once more while crossing the River Swincombe, following the installation of a replacement footbridge over a popular river crossing on Dartmoor.

The work to install a new purpose-built footbridge above Hexworthy has recently been completed by Dartmoor National Park and Devon County Council.

An inspection of the old bridge — known locally as Fairy Bridge — after winter storms in February 2014 revealed that the structure was no longer safe for public use and was subsequently removed.

Since then, walkers have had to choose between negotiating a 'challenging' set of stepping stones or finding an alternative route when river levels were too high.

The work to provide a new river crossing also included strengthening of the original granite bridge abutments, by contractors South West Highways, to take the new bridge. Locally sourced Dartmoor oak has also been incorporated into the design.

Andrew Watson, head of recreation, access and estates, said: 'This is a key river crossing and we're delighted to have been able to provide a robust and safer bridge for the public.

'We are very grateful to the county council for their help with the design and engineering aspects of the project and I hope the new bridge will last for many years.

'I am particularly pleased that we have been able to source local Dartmoor oak which we have incorporated into the new structure and which will soon weather into Dartmoor's iconic landscape.'

The project, managed by Dartmoor National Park, has been met from additional funding secured from the Department of the Environment and Rural Affairs in the wake of the winter storms in 2013/14 and from the national park's voluntary donation scheme '£ for the Park'.