A river crossing, which links a rural village with nearby Forres, has officially reopened a week ahead of schedule, Moray Council has confirmed.

The footbridge at Broom of Moy had been closed since the start of July to allow the structure in question to be extended.

The work was carried out as part of the local authority's £45m River Findhorn and Pilmuir flood alleviation scheme.

The bridge spans the river and provides a shortcut for cyclists and walkers going to and from Forres, as reaching for Forres by road involved a journey of almost four miles for the residents of Broom of Moy.

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The 90-metre extension will more than triple the length of the structure which will now span the entire width of any projected floodwater flow.

The project, which costs £280,000, was built in three sections and each was craned into position last month.

Forres Councillor George Alexander, who chairs Moray Council's flood alleviation sub-committee, welcomed the early opening of the bridge.

He said: "Many people – particularly residents of Broom of Moy – use the bridge on a regular basis and having it reopened will restore their direct access to Forres.

"They have been very patient and understanding during the period when they have had to make alternative travel arrangements and for that I commend them.

"The construction of the new bridge has gone smoothly and every effort was made to minimise inconvenience by working hard to reopen ahead of schedule."

Work on the flood scheme, which will protect hundreds of homes and businesses in the western part of Forres, began in 2012 and is scheduled for completion in spring 2015.

(JP/MH)