Hythe Pier has been officially reopened - less than ten weeks after a dredger ploughed through it leaving a huge hole.

The structure was declared open again when Ted Vaughan, chairman of the Hythe Ferry Users' Group, unveiled a plaque marking the spot of the accident at the same moment as the pier's historic train trundled along and burst through a red ribbon.

Mr Vaughan described the day as "a very happy one" and added: "The job has been done quickly and done well."

Peter Lloyd and Richard Lay, directors of ferry operators White Horse Ferries, paid tribute to the firms which played their parts in keeping the service running after the dredger Donald Redford hit the pier on November 1.