THE Gateshead Millennium Bridge has picked up yet another major award.

The region's newest landmark, which connects the Tees and the Tyne, picked up a sixth award at the Structural Steel Design Awards.

Dubbed the blinking eye, it won the overall award at the ceremony, which is the most prestigious plaudit in the steel industry.

It beat off competition from the Falkirk wheel, in Scotland, the Magna Project, in Rotherham, and the National Space Centre, in Leicester. Judges said the £22m structure could take its place alongside the great bridges of the Tyne.

The award was given to Gateshead Borough Council and Wilkinson Eyre Architects. Steelwork contractor Watson Steel was also praised.