DRIVERS and residents are being reminded of work beginning next week to preserve one of Tynedale's historic bridges.

Chollerford Bridge, a Grade II listed structure, was built in 1785 by Robert Mylne after the previous bridge was swept away in the great floods of 1771.

Now, as part of the final year of the Northumberland County Council's masonry arch refurbishment programme, repairs will be carried out to improve the long term integrity of the bridge.

The work involves masonry repairs, repointing and resurfacing and as part of the scheme the traffic light heads will be upgraded in an effort to improve traffic flow.

Council officials said a road closure would be in place between 9am and 3pm for around four weeks from Monday, October 9 which will include the school half term holiday.

The road will be open to traffic outside these times and the work is scheduled for completion by November 5.

Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be able to cross the bridge at all times during the work.