Environment Minister Rory Stewart has re-opened the storm-damaged A591 road in Cumbria.

A four-mile stretch of the route, which links Grasmere to Keswick, was badly damaged during storms in December.

However, the road was reopened today, 11 May three weeks sooner than originally planned.

Works included building a 106 metre retaining wall at Dunmail Raise, where part of the A591 was washed away, and repairs have been carried out on three bridges, seven other retaining walls and 91 drains alongside Thirlmere reservoir.

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Overall, 44,000 sq of road has been resurfaced and rock netting has been fitted along a 90-metre stretch of the road.

At the projects peak, over 100 employees from specialist contractors were working on the scheme.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "The A591 is vital for tourism, business and residents in Cumbria so I am pleased Highways England has delivered this challenging project almost three weeks ahead of schedule, and in time for the Bank Holiday."

Over £250 million has been provided to areas to make sure communities can repair and help the North recover from flooding caused by the December storms.

(LM)