Engineering giant Cleveland Bridge has scooped a prestigious honour for its work on a unique project.

The Darlington firm has gained recognition for improving the Tamar Bridge, the main link between Devon and Cornwall, which was the first suspension bridge in the world to be strengthened and widened whilst open to traffic.

Cleveland Bridge, which built the original structure in the late 1950s, was the main contractor on the £34m project, working with Plymouth City Council and Cornwall County Council.

The three-lane bridge was transformed during a 34-month, ground-breaking project into a five-lane crossing with two cantilevered lanes and a lightweight orthotropic steel deck.

The project has won the prestigious national "Civil Engineering Award", the Institution of Civil Engineers' "Historic Structures Award" and was a finalist in the Prime Minister's "Better Public Building Award".

Cleveland Bridge's chief operating officer, Derek Pattle, said: "Cleveland's long experience of building bridges and in fabricating and erecting complex steel structures meant that we were able to contribute a wealth of knowledge and experience to an extremely challenging project. "The fact that the work has been recognised with a prestigious award from within the industry is a tribute to all parties involved in its successful completion."

The company currently has well in excess of £200m of work in hand and more to come.

On-going projects include a £60m contract to supply and erect steelwork for the new Wembley Stadium. Darlington MP Alan Milburn visited the company today to congratulate staff on the achievement.

He said: "Cleveland Bridge is a shining example of just what can be achieved through good management, sheer hard work, skill and determination.

"One look at the impressive list of current projects on this company's books clearly demonstrates the high level of regard felt for Cleveland Bridge from within its own industry. Gaining industry awards from one's peers is true recognition and I congratulate all involved."