A Victorian railway bridge across the River Stour in Kent has been replaced in a £4 million pound operation by Network Rail.

The highly-technical work has been taking place in Chartham, where the 120-year-old bridge - on the line between Canterbury and Ashford - had resulted in lower train speeds due to its age.

The project started in March but had to be delayed due to flooding in the neighbouring fields where heavy cranes and plant equipment were needed to be sited.

Eventually, contractors had to bring in almost 5,400 tonnes of granite to provide a stable foundation.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, the route was closed to allow the old bridge and supports to be removed and replaced with the new bridge.

It had been built in sections in Scotland and transported to the site.

Now trains are running across the river again and the company says passengers will notice the quieter, quicker ride.

But the Dibley's foot crossing remains closed for another three weeks for resurfacing and new user-friendly gates to be installed.

Network Rail has been in regular communication with the parish council and surrounding residents about the work, including those in Riverside, whose view across the river to fields is currently replaced with that of a building site.

But the company has pledged to restore the site back to its natural state and expects to be completely finished by July 2.

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