Bridges reunited

An island community divided by a storm was reunited on Thursday after a replacement bridge - found on the internet - was opened.

Forty residents in north Hoy, Orkney, were cut off from the rest of the island when a torrent of floodwater severely damaged the bridge over the Mill Burn two weeks ago.

With their only road link out of action, they were left isolated from the island's shops, doctor, school, ambulance and fire crew.

Orkney Islands Council's search for a replacement bridge ended when, using the internet, it discovered a suitable structure in Wigan. The 40ft Bailey-type bridge was opened to traffic at 3pm on Thursday and will be used for this morning's school bus run.

The loss of the road link caused difficulties for many of the north Hoy community. Farmer Magnus Thomson had to hire a ferry to get a consignment of 100 sheep to a sale at Orkney Mart.

The temporary bridge can handle vehicles weighing up to 44 tonnes. A council spokesman said it may be in place for up to six weeks before a permanent solution can be found.