A LANDMARK that stands as a testimony to the North-East's engineering expertise has been lit up, 70 years after it was opened.

The Newport Bridge over the River Tees has been fitted with a £175,000 lighting system, which has been installed along its 122m length to highlight its design.

Support for the lighting scheme came from development agency One NorthEast, via the Tees Valley Partnership and Stockton Borough Council.

Councillor Bob Cook, cabinet member for regeneration at the council, said: "The lighting scheme is part of wider gateway improvements in the borough and, hopefully, will improve the image and perception of Stockton-on-Tees and the wider Tees Valley"

The Newport Bridge was designed by Dr David Anderson and, at the time of construction, from 1932 to 1934, was the country's first single-span vertical lifting bridge.

It was built using 8,000 tonnes of Teesside steel and 28,000 tonnes of concrete, and took seven minutes to lift the central road section to allow river traffic to pass.

It is more than 400ft long and stands more than 160ft from the road level.

It was constructed by Dorman, Long and Co at a cost of £512,353, and was opened on February 28, 1934, by the Duke of York, who became King George VI.

Alistair Arkley, chairman of the Tees Valley Partnership, said: "The North-East, and the Tees Valley in particular, is steeped in engineering firsts and feats of construction, and we see this lighting scheme as a fitting tribute to the construction skills of the area.

"The new lighting will create a modern environment where the impressive Newport Bridge can be enjoyed by future generations."

Consultant engineering firm DTA, from Newcastle, designed the scheme, and the lights were installed by Middlesbrough company Wares.

Phil Hughes, of One NorthEast, said: "I think by highlighting industrial icons in the region, it creates a sense of place and pride for local people and also helps put the area on the map for visitors."