Bridges across the River Tees feature in new book

Author Chris Davies has taken drone images of each of the crossings and has researched the origins and history of each of them.

Here are six of Chris's favourite bridges which feature in the book. Maybe you have your own favourite?

WHORLTON BRIDGE

Whorlton Bridge (Image: CHRIS DAVIES)

A Grade II* listed building, Whorlton Bridge, in Teesdale, is the UK's oldest road suspension bridge that has its deck totally supported by its original iron chains.

Designed to carry coal from the Durham coal fields to the south, it was opened in 1931. Originally a toll bridge, a large sign on the forler tollhouse still give details of the former tolls.

CROFT-ON-TEES BRIDGE

Croft-on-Tees Bridge (Image: CHRIS DAVIES)

Probably dating from the 15th century, this impressive stone bridge with seven arches has been continuously restored and repaired over the centuries.

The bridge charged tolls from 1745 to 1879. It withstood the great flood of February 1753, but the toll house was partly swept away - along with £50 in toll monies. Today, the Grage I listed structure carries the A167.

BRIDLE BRIDGE, GIRSBY

Bridle Bridge, Girsby (Image: CHRIS DAVIES)

Theophania Blackett of Sockburn Hall had the bridge built in 1870 to allow worshippers to cross the River Tees to get to All Saints Church in Girsby, North Yorkshire.

But this as only after being taken to court by the Darlington Highway Board for blocking access to the church via a private timber bridge because Theophania objected to people crossing her land. The original bridge, for the exclusive use of the family, has long ben washed away but the replacement still stands and now carries a public bridleway.

SCORBERRY FOOTBRIDGE

Scorberry Footbridge (Image: CHRIS DAVIES)

The bridge, built in 1881 to provide a football from Holwick to Newbiggin, was paid for by public subscription. The opening was a grand social event - a marque was erected to to provide refreshments, Middleton Silver Band played throughout the day and the bridge was named by breaking the neck of a bottle ovber the railings.

Paying for its upkeep proved more problematical thoough, with several disputes over who was responsible for its maintenance. Eventually, Durham County Council took responsibility and closed it for some months in 2005 to give it an overhaul.

Read more: River Tees book of stunning images is all water under the bridges

LOW HAIL BRIDGE, HURWORTH-ON-TEES

Low Hail Bridge, Hurworth-on-Tees (Image: CHRIS DAVIES)

One of four privately owned bridges across the River Tees between Hurworth and Yarm, Low Hail Bridge was constructed between 1977 and 1879.

It was designed to carry sewage to a treatment works - the remains of which are still visible - by Robert Robinbson, from Darlington, who designed bridges all over the world. However, this one was based on a design patented by a Connecticut architect.

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NEWPORT BRIDGE, MIDDLESBROUGH

Newport Bridge, Middlesbrough (Image: CHRIS DAVIES)

This dramatic image, taken at night, is one of Chris's favourites photographs in the book,

Newport Bridge was the first large vertical lift bridge in Britain. Constructed in steel and concrete, it is just under a mile in length and carries a single carriageway and two footways.

The Duke of York laid the foundation stones in 1932 and at the time of of construction, the bridge was the heaviest of its kind in the world. The bridge was raised and lowered for the final time on 1990.

• 'Bridging The Tees' costs £20 plus postage for softback and £30 plus postage for hardback. Copies are available from Chris Davies on ebay (search Bridging The Tees) or by contacting him direct at teesbridges@btinterenet.com