MAJOR works have begun to strengthen an 18th Century bridge to allow it to be used by heavier vehicles.

The Grade II-Listed bridge carries a minor road over the River Leven north-east of Hutton Rudby.

The £236,000 scheme, which began this week, will strengthen the bridge by placing a concrete saddle over the existing arch, and waterproofing and resurfacing the carriageway.

The appearance of the bridge will be kept and, with the exception of minor external repairs, none of the work will be visible.

The bridge dates back to 1755, and was widened in 1973 using pre-cast concrete units to form an arch on the west elevation.

Now, after an assessment by Mouchel Consulting, it is being strengthened to provide a 40-tonne capacity.

Traffic lights will be in operation and the work is expected to take three months