WALKERS in east Cleveland can cross a popular beck thanks to the opening of a £40,000 bridge.

The steel-beamed bridle bridge with timber decking and parapets crosses Waterfall Beck, at Waterfall Farm, on the outskirts of Guisborough.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has constructed the bridge as a replacement for a bridge removed two years ago.

In the meantime, stepping stones downstream of the old bridge have been used, but they collected debris, caused bankside erosion and created problems, especially for people with walking difficulties.

Councillor Sylvia Szintai, lead member for environment and infrastructure, said: "We are delighted with the new bridge and I am sure it will be appreciated by the large number of walkers who cross the beck.

"It' has not been an easy time since the old bridge was condemned and removed, but I hope people will feel the new structure has been worth waiting for."