WORK on a mammoth scale jigsaw puzzle to repair the centuries-old Tarr Steps bridge has been completed.

Around two-thirds of the 'clapper' bridge that links Dulverton to Withypool was washed downstream in the floods that hit the Exmoor area just days before Christmas.

The force of the swollen River Barle dislodged the majority of giant stones that make up the 50-metre grade one listed structure, which is believed to be of medieval origin and is a scheduled ancient monument.

Contractors were brought in by Somerset County Council to carry out the repairs, and the picture above, taken by Dan James of the Exmoor National Park Authority on Monday, shows the result. Pictured right is the damaged bridge after the floods.

With the ancient link now back in action, the Exmoor National Park Authority announced this week that it is planning to carry out a historical and archaeological study of Tarr Steps in an attempt to gather more information about the history of the bridge.

A spokesman for the authority said it was keen to hear from anyone with pre-1950s photographs, drawings or paintings of Tarr Steps.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the authority by email at [email protected]">[email protected] or phone on 01398 323665.