by Nick Evans

Traffic was brought to a temporary halt to allow a Victorian jubilee pump to be re-dedicated by villagers.

Demolished when a car involved in a police chase ploughed into it late last year, Teynham’s pump, dating from 1897, has been rebuilt to its former splendour complete with gold leaf weather vane on top.

It was built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s 60 years on the throne, and sits beside the main London Road on a narrow pavement.

The ceremony on Sunday was conducted by Teynham vicar Rev Steve Lillicrap .

Teynham Parish council chairman Brian Sharman said: “It was a very pleasant ceremony although the traffic was backing up quite quickly.

"Luckily for us, the cost of rebuilding the pump has been met by the council’s insurance.”

The chance was taken to add a second time capsule, prepared by the schools, inside the pump alongside an earlier one placed in 1992 when it was last repaired. Both contain photos and magazines of their respective times.