THE High Level Bridge over the Tyne became the latest addition to the Newcastle night skyline yesterday when it was lit up for the first time.

More than 300 high intensity white lights shone from inside bridge arches and brick pillars to give the bridge a distinct glowing silhouette against the night sky. Operated by sensors, the lights automatically turn off at dawn and back on at dusk. The scheme was jointly funded by Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Borough Council.

Newcastle council leader Tony Flynn said: "The High Level has its own distinctive style and architecture, which were simply disappearing under cover of darkness. This clever use of lighting really picks out the intricate detail of the bridge.

"With both riverside frontages becoming increasingly popular, we want to ensure the impact on visitors is equally as stunning during the hours of darkness as it is during the day."

Sir William McAlpine, chairman of the Railway Heritage Trust, pushed the switch to illuminate the crossing.

It is the third bridge over the Tyne to be fitted with a lighting scheme, after the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the Tyne Bridge.

It was built under the supervision of Robert Stephenson and carries road and rail traffic on separate levels. Queen Victoria opened the rail deck in 1849, with road traffic first crossing underneath the trains a year later. This was strengthened in 1922 to carry trams. Today, about 10,000 vehicles pass over it every day.

Yesterday also marked a unique moment for two other bridges over the Tyne.

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge tilted and the Swing Bridge opened together as a symbol of the partnership between Gateshead and Newcastle, in their bid to win the European Capital of Culture title in 2008.