A "milestone" in the sea wall link bridge project was reached this week when Dawlish Water was diverted back to its original course, according to Network Rail.

The pouring of concrete for the structure of the new bridge has also started.

The sea wall link bridge project is expected to be complete in December.

Work began in June but was delayed by around six weeks due to the discovery of an uncharted gas main.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "A milestone moment for the sea wall team this week as we have now diverted Dawlish Water back to its original course.

"You can see it flowing through the box culvert and out into the sea through the new stilling basin area, which is really taking shape.

"We've also been pouring concrete to form the structure of the new bridge that will link the two sections of public, accessible promenade at Colonnade.

"Colonnade underpass remains closed until further notice to keep everyone safe. Thank you for your patience."

Construction of the first section of the sea wall, from Boat Cove to the breakwater at Dawlish Town Beach, began in May 2019 and was completed in July 2020.

Work on the second section, from the breakwater on Dawlish Town Beach to the Coastguard breakwater, began in November 2020.