A 19TH CENTURY bridge spanning a limestone gorge has been restored using 21st century engineering techniques.

The Gunners Pool Bridge was fabricated in Hartlepool in the late 19th century and is the most impressive of the sixteen bridges that cross the Castle Eden Burn at Natural England's National Nature Reserve, which is on the outskirts of Peterlee, County Durham.

The bridge, originally designed and commissioned by the Reverend John Burdon, whose family owned Castle Eden Dene, was officially re-opened today.

The Burdon Family owned the Dene for 250 years and opened up access to the ancient wooded valley by creating footpaths and installing bridges across the gorge in which the burn runs.

The Gunners Pool Bridge is thought to have been erected in June 1877.

Over the years its original design had resulted in corrosion of parts the bridge's metalwork.

As part of an £100,000 project, the landmark was renovated using techniques pioneered in the restoration of the Iron Bridge at Cragside in Northumberland.

Yesterday, youngsters from Natural England's Dene Team were on hand to help with the re-opening.

Local contractors, Colton Ltd, worked with DMJ engineering and Patrick Parsons Consulting Engineers to undertake the work. Heavily corroded sections of the existing structure were replaced with new metalwork, the existing framework was strengthened, the deck replaced, and the whole bridge cleaned and repainted.

Chris Pope, Castle Eden Dene NNR Senior Reserves Manager, said: "I am delighted that the restoration of Gunners Pool Bridge has been completed using innovative conservation techniques that will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for visitors to the Dene."

Castle Eden Dene is managed by Natural England in partnership with Peterlee Town Council, Easington District Council and Durham County Council.