THE grade II listed footbridge at Prudhoe railway station has been returned following restoration work.

Network Rail has been working on a £290,000 project to refurbish the bridge since June.

The bridge was lifted out in sections and work to strengthen, clean and repaint the structure took place offsite.

The work was originally scheduled to take three months, but the bridge has only just been returned to its former position.

It currently remains closed while further work is carried out, along with the road crossing the railway.

The road will be closed from 8pm until 10am on November 14 and 15.

County councillor Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, was pleased with the work that had been carried out.

He said: "This vital work will ensure future generations can continue to enjoy this impressive structure that is part of Prudhoe's history.

"Network Rail have carried out some excellent work and I am looking forward to seeing the finished product.

"I'm sure residents will agree that the repairs already completed have made a huge difference to the bridge, and although there has been some disruption I believe it has been worth it in the long run."

The work followed a project to extend the platforms at the station.