THE spectacle of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge being inched into place will begin this afternoon, or tomorrow.

The arched bridge, which will become a Tyneside landmark when it opens next year, will be eased into position by one of the world's biggest floating cranes, Asian Hercules II. A £22m addition to the Tyne's famous collection of bridges, it will be the only purpose-built bridge for cyclists across the river.

The 850-tonne structure will be floated six miles up the River Tyne, from the Amec shipyard, in Wallsend.

The exact timing depends on the weather, with high winds having already caused a delay.

Councillor George Gill, leader of Gateshead Borough Council, said it would be the most memorable day on Tyneside since the famous Tyne Bridge was completed more than 70 years ago.