A flotilla of boats sailed along the River Tyne yesterday in preparation for the official opening of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge by the Queen.

Both the Millennium Bridge and the Swing Bridge were opened as crowds lined the river to watch four boats make their way up and down the river.

Port of Tyne harbourmaster Captain Gary Wilson said: "We chose the day because the tides are the same as they will be on the day of the Queen's visit, on May 7.

"On the day, a flotilla of 17 vessels will pass up the river before the Queen arrives to officially open the bridge."

Once upon a blinking eye

The Queen will cross from the Gateshead side and Prince Philip from the Newcastle side, meeting in the middle, where the Queen will unveil a plaque.

Admirers of the Millennium Bridge are being offered another chance to hear the story of its design and creation, in the same week of its official opening by the Queen.

Engineer John Johnson will return to Newcastle University to give a lecture two days after the Queen's visit in two weeks' time. The event is free and open to all.

Mr Johnson was a key player in the bridge project, as director of design and construction at Gateshead Council. His first public lecture at the university attracted a capacity crowd of 650.

The bridge has already won several national commendations, including a national exterior lighting award, Construction Project of the Year and Civic Trust awards, and is shortlisted for more prizes.

Event organiser Jeremy Paterson said: "The Gateshead Millennium Bridge instilled a renewed sense of regional pride in many Tyneside residents, who are eager to learn more about it."

The lecture is at 5.30pm on Thursday, May 9, in the Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University