A rockfall shelter extension on the railway line between Dawlish and Holcombe is now complete, Network Rail has announced.

The £48m project at Parson's Tunnel, which began in late 2021, will protect the railway from falling debris from the cliffs above.

The shelter is 109m long and made of 185 pre-cast concrete units, coloured red to match the local sandstone. It is open on the seaward side to give passengers views out to sea.

Above the structure is stainless-steel netting for extra protection.

Parson's Tunnel was previously extended around 100 years ago with an enclosed tunnel built with bricks.

Network Rail Senior Programme Manager Ewen Morrison said: "Our teams worked through all weathers to get the job done and encountered very difficult ground conditions.

"All that remains to do now are the finishing touches, such as planting local species on the roof of the shelter. We'd like to thank all our passengers and lineside neighbours for their patience during this essential work."

Anne Marie Morris MP (Conservative, Newton Abbot) said: "The rockfall shelter is complete and the Dawlish to Holcombe resilience work well under way, that leaves just the final phase which is the last and most challenging part of the resilience programme - addressing the challenges of the cliffs at Teignmouth.

"Thank you to Network Rail, our very patient community and the many other unsung supporters of this vital project."

What is the progress of other projects at the railway?

Dawlish's new £80m sea wall is now complete and open to the public.

A new accessible footbridge with lifts at Dawlish railway station is now in use.

Netting and fencing work on the cliffs between Dawlish and Holcombe to protect the railway from falling debris has begun.