A GRADE II-listed bridge has reopened to pedestrians after it partially collapsed earlier this year.

Historic Wool Bridge, which crosses the River Frome in Wool, features in Thomas Hardy novel Tess of the D’Urbervilles. According to Historic England, it is the best preserved Elizabethan bridge in Dorset.

However, in January, some of the structure's bricks crumbled into the river below. It was then closed to allow work to be carried out.

Last week, Dorset council officials said a reinforced concrete retaining wall has been installed to stop future erosion and help support the bridge.

"The dry-dam has been removed as the stonework is now above the waterline of the river," the spokesperson said.

"The temporary scaffold footbridge has also been removed.

"This ensures that all six arches of the bridge are free for the river to flow through as this time of year there is a greater risk of increased water flow and potential flooding."

Engineers are now putting the original stonework back in place. Part of the bridge remains closed for the work to be carried out.

New stone additions to the bridge were supplied, cut and tooled by W. J. Haysom & Son and Lander’s Quarries in Langton Matravers to ensure a 'sympathetic restoration'.

The original lime mortar was also chemically analysed so it could be accurately replicated. It will be used on all of the stonework.

Repairs will be finished by the end of November.