The 172-year-old Winch Bridge, which spans a gorge across the River Tees three miles upstream of Middleton- in-Teesdale, is to undergo £12,000 of repairs.

The bridge is one of the most heavily used pedestrian suspension bridges in the North.

The last time the 21-metre structure received a facelift was in 1989, when it was painted. Similar work is now required to keep the Grade II- listed bridge in good condition.

Chris Tunstall, Durham County Council's director of environment and technical services, said: "There can be few suspension bridges in the country that are set in such stunning countryside, and it is because of its location and the resulting heavy pedestrian traffic that this work is needed. The bridge crosses the river just downstream of Low Force and gives access to the Pennine Way and both Low and High Force."

Between today and next Friday, scaffolding will be erected alongside the bridge to provide access for the maintenance work.

The scaffolding will be extended and used as an alternative crossing while the work takes place.

Work on the bridge will start on Monday, September 16, and is expected to take four weeks. It will include a complete paint job and replacement of the timber decking.

The bridge replaced a structure erected in the mid-18th Century, said to be the first suspension bridge in Europe.

It was built for the passage of lead miners and had a handrail on only one side. In 1820 it collapsed while 11 people were crossing and one person was killed.