WORK is about to start on a bridge that will help complete one of the last major pieces of the national cycle network through County Durham.

The cycle bridge will be built across the A689, near the site of the former Wynyard station, on the old Castle Eden railway line, at Sedgefield.

It will carry the national cycle network's route number one, from Inverness to Dover, linking to the coast to coast route, and forming part of the North Sea network, involving Britain, Holland and Scandinavia.

When the bridge opens next April, it is hoped to develop a 10km cycle route, north to Station Town, and linking with the Haswell to Hart route.

The bridge will feature artwork - fans of coloured tubes radiating from each side, designed by Londond artist Peter Fink.

Ken Manton, Durham county councillor for Sedgefield, said: "This should provide one of the most eye-catching gateways in the county.''

Traffic controls may be necessary on the A689, and the road may have to be closed one weekend when contractor Balfour Beatty lifts the bridge into position.

A display showing the design is being held at Sedgefield Library.

Durham County Council and Sedegefield Borough Council are among bodies funding the project.