A £300,000 bridge will be opened tomorrow, providing a boost for walkers, drivers and the environment.

The Ireshopeburn Bridge, on the A689, in Upper Weardale, will be able to take 40 tonne European lorries. It replaces a structure which was built in 1891 at a cost of £10,000.

Durham County Council replaced the bridge over the summer to avoid disturbing spawning sea trout in the area.

They continued the green theme by creating dipper nest boxes under the bridge to encourage birds, and a walkway for a family of otters.

The new bridge completes the strengthening of structures on the A689, linking County Durham with the west.

The original bridge, which was designed to "be sufficiently strong to carry a 15-ton steam road roller," had deteriorated over the past few years.

Chris Tunstall, Durham County Council's director of environment and technical services, said: "Ireshopeburn is in a conservation area and we gave a great deal of thought about every aspect of this project. The appearance of the new bridge was a high priority and we chose stone to match the old structure."

County council chairman John Richardson will officially open the bridge.