CROWDS clapped and cheered as Dawlish's £80million sea wall reopened.

The new accessible walkways were finally linked after four years of construction work, opening the 415m of new promenade.

More than 200 people had eagerly anticipated the moment Network Rail staff opened up the barriers.

Children from a school in Exeter were among those enjoying the first steps on the walkway.

Engineers from contractors BAM Nuttall were delighted to see the two sections linked as they opened the barriers to the public.

A new accessible walkway above the underpass means wheelchair users and families with pushchairs can also access the walkway and the beach.

The public can now enjoy the new seating area around the stilling basin where Dawlish Water runs into the sea.