A NORTH-EAST bridge became stuck after its beams expanded during the mini-heatwave over the weekend.

The Swing Bridge, in Newcastle, which dates back to 1876, opened at 8pm on Saturday to let a leisure cruiser of revellers pass up the River Tyne.

But with temperatures reaching 27C (80.6F) during the day, bridge master George Fenwick was unable to close the bridge.

There is usually an inch-and-a-half clearance, but the heat made the structure swell and a piece of wood had fallen out from under its rivet.

Traffic was brought to a standstill as cars were unable to cross the river, but the beam was repaired by 8.45pm without police having to close the road