THE splendours of a bridge which once graced a Forest of Dean railway have been revealed for the first time in more than two decades.

Freeminer Dave Harvey, of Coleford, has spent weeks clearing the stonework and brash from Mireystock Bridge.

"It was almost invisible, a lost bridge along the route of the line from Parkend to Lydbrook," said Dave.

"I had the idea of clearing it as it is quite an outstanding example of stone work. Along with the nearby tunnel it is an important bit of local history which deserves to be on display," he said.

"Forest Enterprise were delighted with the idea. The bridge is a classic example of craftsmanship and it has stood the test of time. It's a lovely structure."

Dave believes the bridge was built by Pillops, of Cardiff, in 1872.

The line, part of the huge railway network which criss-crossed the Forest, once carried passengers and coal but closed in the late 1950s. The rails were taken up in the 1960s.