The Cumbrian Coast railway line is back on track after three devastating storms had forced a section to close.

From Monday, Northern Rail services started again after Network Rail completely replaced a railway bridge, which had been damaged beyond repair at Parton.

Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge battered the bridge throughout March.

For the last 11 weeks the railway between Whitehaven and Workington has been closed so that the bridge could be made safe and reliable again.

Network Rail teams replaced the damaged underpass beneath the railway, strengthened the sea wall and relaid the track.

Trains can now run on the line between Workington and Whitehaven, but Network Rail teams expect to be on site for another month to finish work to improve fencing and landscaping in the surrounding area.

Phil James, route director for Network Rail’s North West Route, said: “The scale of the storm damage on the railway at Parton was significant, and I’m pleased that the Cumbrian Coast line is now available for essential passenger and freight services.”