SELFIE enthusiasts in Sunderland and Durham are being encouraged to take their snaps with the bridges of the region during this summer’s Explore Engineering weekend, held on Saturday and Sunday.

The Institution of Civil Engineers, ICE, has launched a photography competition with a winning prize of £150.

Photos can be posted on Twitter to @ICE_NE #NEBridgeSelfie or emailed to icene@ice.org.uk

The competition coincides with the release of a new leaflet designed to help people explore the rich history of these structures on the River Wear and discover how civil engineers shape the world.

Bridges of the River Wear, provides an insight into 11 iconic bridges across the Wear, featuring those in the cities of Sunderland and Durham.

These include Durham’s famous Prebends Bridge, and the newly completed Northern Spire in Sunderland.

Penny Marshall, regional director of ICE North East, said: “Whatever your favourite, whether new or old, get down and get snappy this weekend.

“We’re excited to see all the photo entries and finding the winner.

“The competition and the leaflet were planned to encourage interest in how civil engineers design, build, maintain and improve the modern world around us and to stimulate the desire to discover more about engineering.

“We’ve had more than a fair share of bad weather in June, so we’re hoping the sun will be shining over the weekend of June 22-23, and people will enjoy finding out more about the many magnificent bridges of the North East and have lots of fun taking selfies and sending them to us.”