A check valve comprises a valve body defining a valve opening and a pair of valve elements mounted so as to be movable from a closed position in which they close the valve opening to prevent fluid flow through the opening to an open position in which they permit fluid flow through the opening. The valve further comprises a one piece bridge element having first and second end portions mounted to the valve housing on opposite sides of the valve opening and an intermediate portion extending between the end portions. The intermediate portion acts as a stop for the valve elements in their open position. A shaft mounting the valve elements for pivotal movement between their open and closed positions, is supported in the end portions of the bridge element. Fasteners for attaching the bridge element to the valve housing overlap the ends of the valve shaft thereby retaining it in the bridge element.