A NEW bridge in Teignbridge has been dedicated to the memory of one of the great ‘servants of the Devon countryside.’

The Ian Mercer Bridge - spanning the Wray Valley Trail just outside his home town of Moretonhampstead - will be formally opened with a commemorative plaque unveiled by his widow Pam on Tuesday.

Mr Mercer, a CBE who died in the autumn at the age of 83, lived locally for 40 years.

He was the first ever Dartmoor National park officer and a pioneering conservation officer for Devon County Council.

Both authorities did not hesitate in backing the proposal that the recently-erected bridge - a mile outside the town near Stewart Cottages - should be named after the man described as ‘an immense influence on a generation of nature lovers and national park enthusiasts.’

The bridge, which replaces the old railway bridge over the A382, has been in place for six weeks.