First repainted sections of Tyne Bridge unveiled

The Tyne Bridge was painted "Persian blue" for 20 years of its history

The first green shoots of recovery on the rusted Tyne Bridge are ready to be revealed.

Restoration work on the famous bridge has hit a milestone, with the first repainted section of the crossing about to be unveiled to the public.

Scaffolding around the bridge's Gateshead tower will be gradually dismantled up until January, allowing people to see the progress made in the first section of its long-awaited refurbishment.

As well being fully repainted in a "Hollybush" colour, the crossing is undergoing structural repairs in its first major maintenance for more than 20 years.

The Tyne Bridge connects the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and neighbouring town Gateshead.

• Tyne Bridge repairs: All you need to know

Engineers confirmed they had already found a further 100 defects during their work so far, on top of a previously known 900, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

But the £32m restoration remained on course to be completed in the summer of 2028, in time for the Tyne Bridge’s 100th anniversary in the October, engineers added.

Hundreds of defects on the Tyne Bridge are being repaired

The Tyne Bridge has been green for most of its history, aside from a period between 1961 and 1985 when it was "Persian blue", the council said.

Contractors Esh grit-blasted off between eight and 11 layers of old paint to expose the bridge's steelwork, before applying the new, three-coat paint system.

Workers applied some of a protective undercoat by hand around joins and rivets, before the green layers were sprayed on top.

It is hoped the new paint will last for 30 years, though it is expected to need some touching up halfway through.

Workers hand-painted a protective undercoat around joins and rivets

The four-year programme of work will next move across to the Newcastle side of the bridge.

Once completed, the scaffolding will move to the underside of the bridge deck and gradually work its way up the archway.

The Tyne Bridge restoration is funded by the UK government, as well as money from both Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council.