THE famous Smithy Bridge in the heart of Malham village will be officially re-opened this Thursday (September 27) two months after one of its ancient piers collapsed.

The bridge is one of the most photographed structures in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the £6,000 project has been funded by the park authority, the EU and the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.

Pupils of Kirkby Malhamdale United V. A. Primary School, who have taken an active part in re-designing the bridge in traditional materials, will perform the opening ceremony at 10.30 am. Many generations of children from the school have taken dips in the beck in hot weather.