A BRIDGE over the River Okement where an Okehampton College student tragically died in 2001 is to replaced.

Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council has been campaigning for many years to have the footbridge at Fatherford replaced by a bridge that can be used by horse riders as well as the disabled. The current structure is too narrow, leaving riders no choice but to cross the river.

The bridge is to be named 'Charlotte's Bridge' in memory of 12-year-old Charlotte Saunders, who in October 2001 was swept away by the rain-swollen river after her pony bucked while crossing it.

Charlotte, a keen rider who lived at nearby Eastlake Farm and Riding Stables, was thrown into the water. Devon Air Ambulance attended, along with an RAF search and rescue helicopter, but were unable to save her.

Jane Gillard, clerk of Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council, said the new crossing was urgently needed: 'As a horse rider myself, I know how dangerous crossing rivers can be.

'The crossing at Fatherford is fine when the river's low, but when the river is running high and fast, the uneven and stony crossing can be really dangerous, as Charlotte's death tragically proves.'

The new bridge will be considerably wider than the current footbridge, with room for horse riders and even wheelchair users to cross the river safely. It will be of metal and wooden construction, but will also make use of stone from Meldon Quarry.

Devon County Council agreed to replace the bridge earlier this year. Funds have come from a number of sources. The parish council donated £6,000, while Okehampton United Charities gave £15,000.

An additional £2,000 was raised by Charlotte's family and friends through fundraising events, including barn dances and horse rides.

Charlotte's father, David Saunders, said he was overwhelmed by people's generosity: 'I'm absolutely delighted we've raised so much. It doesn't just mean a lot to me, but also to other people using the path in the future. I'm just so pleased at the response we've received from people.'

The county council agreed to pay the difference between the total cost of the replacement bridge and the amount raised through donations and fundraising.

County council chairman Cllr Christine Marsh said: 'It's been a lot of hard work for the people raising the money, I'm so glad the project is finally happening.

'It's such an important route, being part of the college's cross-country running route and of course a major public footpath. The new bridge is a brilliant step forward.'

Work on demolition of the old bridge and preparation work for the new structure is planned to start at the end of November, with the new bridge arriving during the week of December 8.

It is hoped work will be completed by Christmas with an official opening in January. It is hoped a temporary pedestrian bridge will be available for walkers during the work.