Rochester's bridges are being cared for by a new caretaker following the retirement of the man who looked after them for 14 years.

Eric Clive retired from the role in October and has now been replaced by Lee Hughes.

Mr Clive, who lives in Strood with wife Rose, spent 14 years with the Rochester Bridge Trust, which owns and maintains the old and new bridges in Rochester.

For 10 of those years he worked as the caretaker. Although the trust is advised on structural engineering and major works by engineers Mott Macdonald, the day-to-day care of the bridges is down to the caretaker.

Mr Clive has handed the reins to Mr Hughes, who has worked for the trust since 1990. He joined as a trainee when he was 16.

To prepare for his role as caretaker Mr Hughes received on the job training in joinery and cabinet making. He also attended external courses at MidKent College in mechanical production, electrical installation, welding and plumbing.

Sue Threader, bridge clerk for the trust, which has an office in the Bridge Chamber on the Esplanade in Rochester, said: “The trust’s priority is ensuring that the old and new bridges remain in good condition and Lee will play a key role in ensuring that we continue to do this.

“Lee will have a hard act to follow as Eric has led the care of the bridges so magnificently for the past decade.

“The small team here at the trust will miss him very much but we sure Lee will do a great job.

“He has nearly 20 years experience of working on the bridges and has produced very fine joinery and furniture for the Bridge Chamber.”

Mr Hughes will be supported by recently promoted assistant caretaker Gareth Edwards. The trust now hopes to recruit a trainee so it can carry on training staff to take care of the bridges in Rochester.