HUNDREDS of people took the first steps over a bridge built in memory of a Maidstone youngster at the weekend.

The Jade Crossing - which spans the A249 at Detling - was built after eight-year-old Jade Hobbs was killed alongside her grandmother, Margaret Kuwertz, 79, on the busy dual carriageway in December 2000.

After the double tragedy, Jade's parents, Paul and Caroline Hobbs mounted a campaign to raise money to provide a safe crossing at the accident blackspot near to their home, in Pilgrims Way.

The Jade Crossing Appeal, a charity set up in Jade's memory, gave £75,000 towards building the crossing, Maidstone Borough Council contributed £25,000 and Kent County Council agreed to fund the rest of the bridge's £1.18m price tag.

On Saturday, a tearful Mrs Hobbs finally got to cut the ribbon with Jade's brother Ben, 14.

KCC's cabinet member for strategic planning, Cllr Sarah Hohler said: "Caroline's courage and determination have impressed all of us and have been an example. Without that courage and determination, we would not have had such prompt construction of this bridge."

EastEnders star Shaun Williamson also walked across the 48-metre span of the steel structure as the charity's patron. The Rev Ron Gamble, of St Martin's Church, Detling, where Mrs Kuwertz and Jade are buried, blessed the bridge.

A party in Detling Village Hall continued all night, with entertainment from Maidstone band the Spice Daves and music from the Ashford-based 305 Squadron of the Air Training Corps.