Unfinished bridge open for one day for world cup

Keel Crossing over the River Wear links Keel Square with Sheepfolds and the Stadium of Light

An unfinished footbridge will temporarily open for the first day of the Women's Rugby World Cup before shutting again for final cosmetic work.

Sunderland's Keel Crossing will welcome pedestrians on 22 August, including fans travelling to the Stadium of Light for the tournament's opening match between England and the USA.

With more than 40,000 people expected in the city for the game, council leader Michael Mordey said: "It will be incredible seeing a sea of England and USA shirts and scarves walking across the bridge."

Keel Crossing will close at the end of the day so the final phase of works can be completed before it is officially opened for permanent use.

The £31m structure links Keel Square in the city centre with Sheepfolds and the Stadium of Light.

It is one of several high-profile developments currently under construction as part of the Riverside Sunderland scheme, including Culture House and the new eye hospital.

Mordey said: "I think this crossing has come to represent the sense of renewed positivity and optimism that is growing in Sunderland right now."