Residents have celebrated the return of Sandwich Toll Bridge following its half a million pound overhaul.

The newly refurbished deck was reinstated on Friday and will now undergo final testing before it can be reopened to pedestrians and traffic at the beginning of December.

The route which connects the town to Thanet has been cut off since September 21 to allow for the 11-week renovation programme.

Lyn Groombordige shared these images of contractors at work on Friday, posting: "Welcome back, you have been missed."

Others remarked it was a "brilliant" step forward for the town, while another commented on its "smart" new appearance.

Traders are also excited by the advancement.

John van der Dol, owner of Sandwich Card Gallery, had initially objected to the works in the run up to Christmas for fear it would be detrimental to business owners.

He said: "We're fortunate in a way that it coincided with the lockdown. It's great that it's back and looking smart.

"We're really looking forward to welcoming people back to the shop and the town."

Kent County Councillor Sue Chandler has reassured people that the Coat of Arms, which would usually sit in the centre of the bridge, has gone for specialist repair and will return.

KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Michael Payne has reminded residents that the A256 diversion and free bus will remain in place until the bridge fully reopens.

And that the bridge will be required to shut for one more day in 2021 to allow for the installation of one part which was not readily available ‘off the shelf’.

He said: “It was great to see the bridge successfully lifted back into place and the work completed and for this to happen in line with the original timeframe.

“The bridge has had a number of other mechanical and electrical repairs that could not be undertaken with the bridge in place. This is to enable it to open and close for marine traffic and operate reliably.

“It has also been completely repainted with a special two part polycarbonate paint to ensure it looks good for a long while to come.

"Also, apart from also having a new set of controls, the opportunity has been taken to resurface the highway, including the footpath, leading up to the bridge.

“We now have around two weeks of commissioning work before the bridge can be opened for use. The diversions and the free bus will remain in place until the road reopens.”

Read more: All the latest news from Sandwich