RENOVATION work has started on an important bridge.

North Lodge Parish Council initiated the project to repaint the bridge in North Road, leading from Birtley to Chester-le-Street. It has been made possible by a working partnership with Durham County Council, Chester-le-Street District Council, and Sustrans, with a generous donation from Arizona Chemical.

It includes grit blasting the existing paintwork - blue with red crosses - from the bridge's structure.

Three St Cuthbert's crosses will be painted on both sides of the bridge.

The coast-to-coast route is being resurfaced on the bridge, while a new ramp on to the bridge will be created.

The work may cause some disruption to traffic, with two-way lights in operation. Work is expected to be completed by Monday, February 26.

North Lodge parish council chairman Margaret Caygill said: "The parish council looks forward to the improvement this will make to this northern entrance to the county, district and parish.

"The chosen design depicts our historical links with St Cuthbert."