AFTER years of campaigning and tireless fundraising, a bridge over the River Okement where an Okehampton College student tragically died in 2001 was opened on Tuesday.

The bridge at Fatherford is named 'Charlotte's Bridge', in memory of 12-year-old Charlotte Saunders, who was swept away by the rain-swollen river after her pony bucked while crossing it. The new bridge is now wide enough for horse riders to cross safely, replacing the old, narrower footbridge.

The bridge was opened by her father, David Saunders, who attended with Charlotte's brother, William.

David said: 'There's only one person missing here today, and that's Charlotte. The bridge is a great tribute to her, and to all of you who put so much hard work into getting it put here.'

Derek Webber, chairman of Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council, which campaigned for the bridge to be built, said: 'There were times when I thought this day may never come.

'Back in 2005 when we really started to push for the bridge to be built, this day seemed so far away. But now it's here, and it looks wonderful.'

Devon County councillor James McInnes, who helped secure funds for the bridge from the county council, thanked Meldon Quarry for their donation of stone for the bridge, the landowners Mr and Mrs Bray, and all those involved in raising funds, including Mr and Mrs Tony Leech.

The bridge is open for walkers and horse riders alike to use and enjoy, and will stand in memory of Charlotte for many years to come.