Network Rail and National Highways have announced (17 April) they have rescheduled planned repairs to Kingsferry Bridge - the road and rail crossing which links Isle of Sheppey to mainland Kent.

The iconic bridge which was constructed in the 1950s and opened in 1960, needs its 40 steel ropes replaced, after inspections revealed they have deteriorated and need to be replaced urgently.

Network Rail originally planned for the works to take place in June, but has now postponed the majority of the repairs to July to avoid disrupting pupils taking exams and the Chase the Sun bike across England which attracts up to 1,000 cyclists.

The bridge is a vital rail, road, pedestrian and cycle link for the people of Sheppey and vital to the movement of billions of pounds worth of goods by ship each year. Once the steel ropes have been replaced, they should last for a further 30 years, having last been replaced in 1995.

Footage shows the bridge being lifted for a passing yacht this afternoon (April 20).