Whitby's swing bridge reopens after a week of chaos (Video)

Traders had been braced for another day of totting up lost earnings after Scarborough Council announced on Thursday the bridge would probably reopen at teatime today.

But the gates actually opened at 10.30am after the two tiers slid together with a loud clunk to a chorus of "Hip Hip Hooray" from the local lifeboat crew.

At first only a trickle of pedestrians realised the bridge was open. But within 20 minutes the "road closed" signs were down and buses, trucks and cars were thundering across the River Esk again.

The bridge had been stuck in the open position since Wednesday last week, forcing Scarborough Council to fly in replacements parts from Italy.

John Riby, Head of Technical Services, said: "I am delighted that the bridge is open ahead of schedule and that the two sides of Whitby are reunited once more.

"We fully appreciate the inconvenience that the bridge closure has caused and I would like to thank residents, traders and visitors for their patience over the last week and a half."

Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, the official tourism agency for Yorkshire, added: "We are delighted the bridge has re-opened in time for what looks set to be a busy holiday weekend for Whitby."