THE restoration of a bridge has won a leading industry award.

The Institution of Civil Engineers has awarded the £100,000 restoration of 172-year-old Whorlton Bridge, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, a Historic Bridge and Infrastructure Award.

The refurbishment, carried out last summer, took eight weeks and involved replacing timber decking and painting iron suspension chains.

The original tollkeeper's cottage was renovated at the same time and information plaques were put up.

The bridge is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade II*-listed building. Judges praised the work carried out and the way alterations from the original design had been minimal.

The restoration was paid for and carried out by Durham County Council. Councillor Bob Pendlebury said the restoration was necessary after a survey revealed the bridge's wooden timbers needed replacing.

He said: "We decided to use the opportunity to carry out some additional works and we are delighted that our efforts to maintain and enhance this fascinating old bridge have received national recognition."

John Bartlett, a former Whorlton and Westwick parish councillor, who was instrumental in getting the restoration project started, was also delighted at the award.

He said: "I am really very pleased. I have got a lot of photographs of the restoration as it was being carried out and they have done a good job."

Whorlton Bridge is the oldest wrought iron chain-link suspension bridge in England and is also claimed to be the oldest suspension bridge in England supported by its original chains.