A bridge which was undergoing emergency repairs has reopened – three days ahead of schedule.

The Beeding Bridge in Upper Beeding was closed in early January.

Repairs had to be made after a routine safety check by West Sussex County Council found it needed strengthening so buses and heavy vehicles could continue to cross safely.

The work was estimated to last five weeks but contractor Balfour Beatty finished three days early.

Pieter Montyn, council cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “We are delighted to announce these repairs have been completed ahead of schedule.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank residents for their patience while this work was being done.”