Spencer Group has been praised by the local community for the restoration of the historic Union Chain Bridge.

The works on the 200 year old Grade I listed bridge were completed by Spencer Group with the support of Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, Museums Northumberland and a local community group.

The bridge is 137m long across the River Tweed and was the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1820. The restoration work was able to retain a number of key characteristics of the original bridge such as the suspension chains and stonework.

The bridge is now open to pedestrians and vehicles with an increased weight capacity of three tonnes as well as a car park for tourists.

The work has been greatly supported by local community group 'Friends of the Union Chain Bridge' which was formed in 2014 and has more than 700 members. Commenting on the completed works Ted Cawthorne, Honorary treasurer, said: “It’s been an incredible job by Spencer Group and we’re absolutely delighted to have the bridge back. It’s a vital link between the communities on either side.

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"The bridge is an important part of the local scene, so we’re very pleased to have it back fully installed and in use again.

"It looks wonderful and even more elegant than it did before. There are some differences that have been made during the restoration, with some necessary modern interventions, but that’s just a sign of this remarkable bridge moving with the times.

"It’s a terrific achievement and it means a great deal to us to have it restored and fit for use for another 150-200 years.

"The remarkable thing is that many of the original components are still intact, which means they will be 350-400-years-old by the time it might need another restoration."

Reflecting on the completed works, Joe DiMauro, Engineering Director for Spencer Bridge Engineering, said: "It’s been a privilege and an honour for us to carry out this crucial heritage project to preserve such a historical structure for future generations.

"It's been a long journey, from the initial planning through to removing the whole structure, refurbishing all the components, and completely rebuilding it.

"It’s been incredible to have been part of the project from start to finish and it feels like a great achievement now that it’s complete."