Adam Pilgrim of the Canal Awareness Group has been helping to raise money for the £25,000 project. He said that "Thanks to our volunteers, the cost to DCC has been halved. We have received contributions from Parish Councils, Charities, local Organisations and individuals throughout the area."

Mrs. Strudwick cutting the ribbon
across the bridge

Robert Hodgson, Chairman of the Grand Western Canal Trust, said that the Trust had been pleased 
to support construction of the bridge. "One day, 
we hope it may be possible to re-link the canal to Taunton. This bridge will play an important part in ensuring that boat-owners and towpath-users can 
all enjoy the unique opportunities that the Grand Western Canal offers."

Some of those gathered at the opening

Dudley Weatherly, who can remember when the canal was "little more than a ditch", said that it had been a great honour for him. "The canal used to be for hard work alone, but now it’s just for pleasure," he told the assembled crowd. "This is a bridge we can all enjoy. It has been constructed by local companies in association with local people - I like to think that this bridge is pure Devon."

Mr. Dudley Weatherly stands on
the bridge named after him