There aren't many bridges that get their very own birthday party.
But then again, this is a very special bridge - and a very impressive birthday.
The Union Chain Bridge, which links England and Scotland between Horncliffe and Fishwick, has just turned 201 years old, and locals decided to mark the occasion in style.
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A birthday picnic, at Horncliffe’s Chain Bridge Honey Farm, brough music, dancing and period costume to the base of the bridge - despite the fact that the bridge wasn't all present for its party, as it's currently undergoing multi-million-pound restoration work.
Built in 1820 by Captain Samuel Brown, the Union Chain Bridge is the oldest operational suspension bridge in the world that was still capable of carrying vehicles, before it was closed for vital restoration work.
When it opened it was the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world with a span of 137 metres (449 ft), and the first vehicular bridge of its type in the United Kingdom. It cost £7,700 to construct and pre-dates the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Menai Bridge, which are of similar design.
At the party, musicians Paul Hutchinson and Sophy Ball entertained the socially-distanced audience with music that was popular at the time the bridge opened in, while local dancers Rag Bag Morris premiered their specially devised Union Chain Bridge dance.
Matt Storey, from the Union Chain Bridge project team said, “When the bridge opened in 1820 it was with lots of celebration and fanfare so we were trying to recreate a little bit of that.
"Being outside, a picnic seemed the safest way to hold a birthday party for the bridge, not that it is currently all there, of course!”
Work on conserving the bridge continues, with the reconstruction process beginning this month.
The ambitious project is a partnership between Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, The Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, Museums Northumberland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Costing more than £6m, the project involves not only the restoration of the historic bridge, but also work to engage the communities living around the bridge in its history, and encourage visitors to come and learn more about the important structure.
