A nineteenth century railway bridge has been given a fresh coat of paint.

The old blue and red paintwork has been grit-blasted off the bridge over North Road, between Chester-le-Street and Birtley.

It is now resplendent in a new livery of three gold St Cuthbert's crosses on a black background.

The colour scheme was chosen to reflect the saint's ancient association with the area. It is about ten years since the bridge was last painted, but this time the paintwork was stripped down to bare metal and the new look is expected to last up to 30 years.

The four-month refurbishment was led by North Lodge Parish Council, with funding from the county and district councils and Arizona Chemical.