A BRIDGE damaged by summer floods was reopened yesterday, restoring a market town's link with the south.

Richmond, in North Yorkshire, was cut off from the south when the central pier of Mercury Bridge was washed away by the River Swale during flash floods in June.

It was October before repairs allowed light traffic and pedestrians to use the crossing - long enough to cost town centre traders an estimated £13m.

Shopkeepers have been relieved to see business pick up since, but there were celebrations yesterday when Father Christmas was invited to help reopen the bridge fully for the first time in six months.

As applause rippled across the river yesterday morning, Richmond Business and Tourism Association chairman Dr Mike Nichols said: "People have been saying they have noticed an improvement since the temporary bridge opened but, now everything is back to normal, it's up to us to bring people back."

Among the crowd was the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor John Harris, who said: "We must congratulate the county council and the contractors, who have done a splendid job in very difficult circumstances. It's the best Christmas present Richmond could have had."

Councillor Roy Wilson, chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, said he had doubts the work could be finished in six months, joking he had lost a bet with environmental services chief, Mike Moore.

However, he said all the partners involved in the £2m scheme could be proud of their achievements.