WITH VIDEO: The Duke of Gloucester has officially opened the new Adur Ferry Bridge. 

Children from Shoreham Academy and Swiss Gardens School crossed about half an hour before the Duke opened the bridge. 

Then, 96-year-old Jack Lucking led thousands of Shoreham residents across the bridge for the first time.

The crossing will allow pedestrians, cyclists and mobility scooter users to reach the town centre from Shoreham Beach.

The old footbridge disappeared after 91 years following six weeks of demolition work.

Residents are reportedly planning to conga across later this afternoon.