PLANS in the region for the longest rope suspension bridge in the world have been given the go-ahead.

The bridge, across the River Tees, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, could generate 87 jobs in the area.

The scheme has now been endorsed by Teesdale District Council - with only one dissenter.

The overall project includes a woodland adventure park, a circular walk and a car park and visitor centre. Officials believe it will cost £4.5m.

Representatives from Caledonian Economics, which carried out a commercial feasibility study for the authority, assured councillors it would be economically viable.

Sian Johnson, from Caledonian Economics, said she initially thought the idea was "pie in the sky", but has since changed her mind.

She said: "This is a unique project and would draw people into the area. Barnard Castle hasn't been pulling people into Teesdale the way it should be. This project can make that difference."

Bill Oldfield, chairman of Teesdale Marketing Ltd, the company behind the scheme, said the adventure trail would not damage the environment and was needed to maintain the viability of the bridge.

He said: "When we first proposed this idea, it was just going to be a bridge. But we're not experts, we're just amateurs.

"The consultants have looked at this and told us we need the woodland adventure park if the bridge is going to be self-supporting.

"I'm delighted at the support from the majority of councillors. This is the first major step.

"Obviously, we will be doing an environmental impact study as well as other things, but we needed to be sure the bridge was viable before we went any further."

Mr Oldfield said he hoped the bridge would be completed by 2005.

However, Councillor John Watson, independent member for Barnard Castle West, said there were a number of questions that had needed answers before the council made a decision.

He said that not enough people had been consulted and more surveys, such as an environmental impact assessment, needed to be undertaken.

"I'm amazed and horrified that it has come to this stage," he said.

"The area they are proposing to put the adventure trail is in an area of ancient woodland.

"There's still a lot of work to be done and there are massive pieces of information missing.

"It is totally out of order to decide anything at the present time."