MORE than 4,000 people have voted for their preferred choice of design for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Tees in Stockton.

The Northbank project partners, Tees Valley Regeneration, English Partnerships, One North-East and Stockton Borough Council, invited the public to choose their favourite design from a shortlist of five drawn up by leading architects from all over the world.

A spokesman said: "We have had 4,024 responses and we think that is pretty good. We are delighted that people have shown so much interest.

"The votes have now gone to the project management board to be considered along with technical and other information.

"They hope to make a decision on the final design by about the middle of November."

Challenge for

best lit house

A FESTIVE first will be launched in Northallerton this year.

The mayor, Coun Tony Hall, is running a contest for the best dressed illuminated house.

To enter, challengers need only dress up the exterior of their homes over Christmas.

Coun Hall will tour the town and choose the house most worthy of winning the competition.

"So let your imaginations run wild and see what you can come up with," he said. "It all adds to the festive atmosphere."