The restored Lydney Harbour swing bridge has been officially re-opened with civic leaders and Lydney Sea Cadets taking part in a launch ceremony.

Lydney Coastal Community Team was established in 2015 and refurbishing Lydney Harbour's historic swing bridge has been its first project.

The bridge is classified as a Listed Building and provides an important crossing point over the canal towards the Severn Estuary.

The Coastal Team secured £50,000 Coastal Revival Fund grant from the Government's Department of Communities and Local Government to enable the refurbishment works to go ahead.

Rotting laminated timbers have been replaced with structural steelwork that will significantly extend the life of this important local asset. Care has also been taken to install a non-slip timber deck to improve pedestrian safety in bad weather.

Last year, local engineering company Mabey Bridge Limited won the contract to undertake the bridge repairs. Chief Executive Officer, Michael Treacy said: "Lydney's swing bridge has been standing for nearly 100 years, but its age was starting to tell.

"While our team installs and services bridges all over the world, this project was of special importance to our Lydney-based workforce who couldn't wait to get their hands on the bridge and bring it back to its former glory. We're delighted that the landmark is now fully operational and will be enjoyed by many generations to come."

A spokesperson for the Forest of Dean District Council said: "As a next step, the Lydney Coastal Team is working to secure funding to dredge the canal up towards the station and install new moorings to encourage more boats to use this stretch of water.

" It will be wonderful to see more people sailing in from the River Severn to visit Lydney by boat. Our enthusiastic team members have plenty of ideas about improving lines of sight to the water to open up the canal for more people to enjoy."

A spokesperson for Lydney Town Council added: "This is the first of a series of projects within the overall plan for the harbour area, and is a good example of how to achieve positive outcomes by working effectively with a range of strategic partners.

"Particular thanks must go to Mabey Bridge for their commitment to the rebuild - the bridge says it all, and will do for many years to come."

Pictured: Robin Stevens, operations director from Mabey Bridge Ltd (left) and Bob Berryman the Mayor of Lydney with Lydney Sea Cadets at the bridge opening.