THE world famous Teesside Transporter Bridge is celebrating its centenary year.

Stretching over the River Tees, the bridge has attracted visitors from all over the world.

It has also appeared on the big screen in Billy Elliott and on televisions in famous shows such as Auf Wiedersehen Pet and The Fast Show.

I wanted to sketch the bridge and paint a picture of it for an arts lesson project at school in the late Eighties, but I was told that my work had to portray a Darlington-based attraction. So I sketched my neighbour’s garden shed instead – much to the bemusement of my teacher.

I think that the Transporter is one of the marvels of the region. I always raise a smile when I see the old girl during a visit to Middlesbrough, as it shows that British engineering has always been the best.

The fact it has stood for 100 years, and is still in daily use, just proves my point.

Paris can keep its Eiffel Tower and Pisa can have its Leaning Tower.

I would far rather visit the Transporter Bridge and pay homage with a proud salute to the splendor of its fine workmanship.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.