THE first new bridge to span the upper reaches of the River Tees in more than 200 years has officially opened after a 30-year campaign by local residents.

During a ceremony featuring Lord Barnard and the Earl of Strathmore, the Beckstones Wath footbridge, at Mickleton, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, was declared open on Bank Holiday Monday.

The 80-metre footbridge is thought to be the first to cross the Tees in Teesdale for more than 200 years, and now links the Teesdale Way long distance footpath.

The ceremony was led by Durham County Council member Bob Pendlebury, who is chairman of the North Pennines Partnership, chairman of the Northumbria Tourist Board and president of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Ramblers.

The opening of the bridge is expected to attract both local and visiting walkers to the dale, as it opens up a circular walking route around the villages of Middleton-in-Teesdale, Eggleston and Romaldkirk.

During the opening ceremony Lord Barnard and the Earl of Strathmore cut ribbons on either bank before walking to greet each other in the middle of the bridge.

This was followed by an evening of entertainment in the village, including a performance by local theatre group Jack Drum Arts and a fireworks display.

Local residents have been battling for 30 years to secure funding for the bridge, but the scheme was eventually backed by Durham County Council.

Mickleton resident John Carrington, who helped to organise the opening of the bridge, said: "After a 30-year campaign we finally managed to see the Beckstones Wath Footbridge officially opened.

"We believe the footbridge is the first to open in 200 years and will now make possible a wonderful variety of circular walks around Teesdale."