A bridge project on the Norfolk coast that attracted national attention after it sparked a battle between the National Trust and mysterious 'marsh fairies' has finally been completed.

The long-awaited crossing over Cabbage Creek at Stiffkey was opened this week, more than two years after the previous bridge was removed over concerns that it was no longer safe to use.

The loss of the last bridge and delays in building a replacement prompted fury among locals who said it left people at risk of being cut off by the tide.

Then a makeshift replacement mysteriously appeared across the creek which villagers said was the work of 'marsh fairies'.

This, in turn, angered the National Trust, which owns the marsh, which swiftly removed it and asked the police to investigate.

READ MORE: Work continues on Stiffkey bridge at Cabbage Creek

The new bridge is openedThe new bridge is opened (Image: The National Trust)

Delays in building a new crossing saw tensions simmer in the area, but work finally started on the £200,000 bridge in September and it was finished this month.

Ian Curtis, founder of the Rebuild Stiffkey Marsh Bridge campaign group who has previously described himself as a friend of the marsh fairies, said it was "fantastic" that their efforts had paid off.

"You can hardly believe it's happened after a the struggle we've had.

"It was the fairies that sparked it all off really. I don't think the National Trust would have built the bridge if it wasn't for the attention that they brought.

READ MORE: Stiffkey Bridge is being constructed at Cabbage Creek

Ian Curtis, the Stiffkey Bridge campaigner Ian Curtis, the Stiffkey Bridge campaigner (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest) "I started campaigning because I didn't see why we should be denied access to the marsh when people had been coming to the marsh for hundreds of years. 

The fairy bridgeThe fairy bridge (Image: Ian Curtis) "It involved a lot of people, but we have finally done it."

Victoria Egan, the National Trust’s general manager for the Norfolk Coast, said: “We would like to thank the local community for their patience and support during the construction period.

"We hope this new bridge will enable people to make memories here.

"We’ve made sure the design means people can still enjoy crabbing from the bridge and the new width and abutments mean it’s more accessible."

When asked if the fairies could rest now the bridge is complete, Mr Curtis added: "They have not gone away and may make themselves available if called upon in the future."