Thousands danced their way over a new footbridge as they per- formed a conga line to mark the opening of the popular walkway.

The Adur Ferry Footbridge was officially opened yesterday lunchtime by the Duke of Gloucester.

After students from Shoreham Academy crossed the bridge as part of the ceremonial opening, streams of revellers made the trip over the Adur in glorious sunshine.

Jack Lucking, a 96-year-old Shoreham resident, was spontaneously invited to be among the first to cross the bridge when he was picked from the crowd by a police officer.

Mr Lucking’s carer, Rachel Mohidin, owner of Meadowcroft Care Home, said: “He was speechless and absolutely thrilled to have been invited up. He saw the first ever bridge and has lived in Shoreham all his life apart from during the war, so it was a really nice touch.

“He turned to me on the bridge and said it could be the last ever time he crosses it – he was just over the moon.”

Later, a fireworks display capped a day of celebration, which was described as a massive success.

Geoff Howitt, 76, who lives in a house overlooking the bridge said: “It was great to see the bridge finally opened.

“If you compare that new bridge to the concrete monstrosity I used to have to look at every day then it’s a great change. The conga was great, we went back and across and back and across – I’ve never seen so many happy, smiling faces.”

The bridge has proved to be a hit with the locals, as thousands queued up to be among the first to walk across after the official opening had finished.

Brian Paterson, 70, said: “Hopefully it’s going to be good for the shops on both sides and we’ll see an economic boost as a result.”

Dignitaries convened at Sussex Yacht Club, based just a stone’s throw away from the bridge.

Vice Commodore of the club, Steve Vyse, said: “It’s a vital link for the town and it brings the two halves of the community together.

Cabinet member for the environment Coun Keith Dollemore said: “It was terrific to see so many people turn up.”