A 19th century bridge in Redesdale has been identified for greater protection and recognition.

East Woodburn Bridge, built in 1832 to replace an earlier 18th century bridge, has received listed status from the government's department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.

The bridge is situated on a historic droving route used by farmers to move sheep and cattle between England and Scotland.

Droving played an important part in Northumberland’s history for more than a thousand years and reached its peak between the late 17th and mid-19th century. The practice involved moving sheep and cattle hundreds of miles on foot to market from as far north as the Scottish Highlands to as far south as London.

The impressive‘wide-basket arch’ design of East Woodburn Bridge provided a safe crossing over the River Rede for the livestock.

Veronica Fiorato, Historic England’s team leader for listing in North England, said: “Droving played a major role in shaping Northumberland’s landscape for many centuries and East Woodburn Bridge is a great surviving example of the infrastructure, which served this early form of long-haul livestock transportation.

“The bridge’s new status will help protect it for future generations and increase public awareness of its significance as a monument."