TWO things they know about on Tyneside - beer and bridges.

That's why a nationally acclaimed real ale brewer has produced a special Millennium Bridge beer to mark the public opening of the £22m Gateshead bridge in September.

Gateshead Borough Council chose Mordue Brewery to make the new ale because of the national awards it has accrued.

The beer, which has yet to be named, will be available on Tyneside, which boasts a number of internationally known bridges, in good time for the September 17 grand opening. It will also be on sale in the North-East.

Gary Fawson, owner of the Wallsend brewery, said: "We are delighted to be involved. You cannot fail but be impressed by the bridge, it is absolutely stunning. We will certainly have our work cut out producing a beer to match."