Main rail line through Dawlish reopens

A few hundred metres up the track from the repaired railway, residents are still facing continued disruption. Repairs continue at the giant hole that opened up in the cliff below their houses.

Ian Axton caught up with home-owner, Charlotte Wilkin, who looks back at those terrifying days.

It's taken more than 300 engineers working around the clock to get the track ready in time for Easter. They've become known locally as the Orange Army, Richard Lawrence reports on their time in the town

The first train along the newly-repaired track at Dawlish swept through just before 6am this morning (Friday).

A camera installed in the cabin recorded the journey through the eyes of the train driver.

Video from South West News Service

David Cameron has praised the 'Orange Army' of workers who have repaired the main rail line through Devon on time.

He also thanked the emergency services and the people of Dawlish:

The Prime Minister has praised workers for getting the main rail line through Devon completed on time and ahead of the Easter holidays.

David Cameron also confirmed a study is underway to look at alternatives to the coastal route and money would be made available.

Ben Bradshaw, MP for Exeter, says the coastal rail line is still vulnerable, and an additional inland line should be considered: