Contractor G F Tomlinson has begun restoration work at an historic bridge in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, which was built to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Midlands-based G F Tomlinson is working with Derbyshire Dales District Council to deliver the £210,000 project, which will see Jubilee Bridge returned to how it would have looked when it first opened in 1887.

Expected to last several weeks, the project will see a full structural repair. All metalwork will be sand-blasted and holes re-plated before the bridge is repainted and safety checks completed. Electrical works will also take place, along with the replacement of timber decking.

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G F Tomlinson is a family-run business which has been operating for more than 120 years. The company has a long association with the Derbyshire Dales and back in 1923. G F Tomlinson completed the historic project to build Rowsley Bridge. The former packhorse bridge dates back to the 15th Century and was widened in 1925 to accommodate modern vehicles.

G F Tomlinson is looking forward to completing the work at the well-known Jubilee Bridge.

Andy Sewards, director at G F Tomlinson, said: "Jubilee Bridge is an iconic landmark and is of huge significance to the community in Matlock Bath having been built to celebrate the reign of Queen Victoria more than 125 years ago.

"We have been working together with local historians, as well as the council, to ensure that Jubilee Bridge is restored to its former glory. This is the first time the bridge has received any refurbishment work since its centenary year more than 25 years ago, so we're sure it will be welcomed by the community in Matlock Bath," Mr Sewards added.

Work on the pedestrian bridge is due for completion at the end of June.