Poole's Twin Sails Bridge to remain closed despite royal opening

Princess Anne is visiting a number of places in Dorset

A new bridge in Dorset is to remain closed - despite an official opening ceremony with the Princess Royal.

"Road resurfacing work" has been blamed for the delay in opening Poole's Twin Sails lifting bridge to traffic and to the public, the council said.

However an "exception" was made for Princess Anne who was driven across on Monday afternoon.

The £37m bridge had been due to open to traffic on 27 February. No new date has been given.

Princess Anne visited the bridge as part of a ceremonial trip to Dorset.

The royal met staff in the bridge control room and was allowed to "press the button" that lifted the bridge, a council spokesperson said.

A reception was held on Royal Navy warship HMS Cattistock where she unveiled a plaque and received a gift of some Poole pottery from the Mayor of Poole, councillor Graham Wilson.

Her other events on Monday included opening Durlston Castle, in Swanage, following a £5.5m restoration and a visit to the newly-restored Osmington White Horse near Weymouth.