New footbridge 'will be better than Wembley Way'

Sunderland's Keel Crossing has opened for fans heading to the Women's Rugby World Cup

A new footbridge has opened for the first time to help thousands of fans attend the first game of the Women's Rugby World Cup.

The £31m Keel Crossing links Sunderland's city centre with the Sheepfolds and Stadium of Light, where England's Red Roses are set to take on the USA later.

Sunderland-born TV architect George Clarke attended the bridge's official opening and said it was an honour and a privilege to be among the first to walk across it.

"When you've got 40,000 Sunderland fans crossing this bridge on a Saturday - it's going to be better than Wembley Way," he said.

"It's brilliant. It's a piece of infrastructure and regeneration.

"It's what the city needed because it's always felt slightly disconnected between the north and south."

Former Sunderland goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery and the Mayor of Sunderland, councillor Ehthesham Haque, cut the ribbon at the bridge's opening

The crossing was officially opened by former Sunderland goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery and the Mayor of Sunderland, councillor Ehthesham Haque.

Montgomery said the bridge was a "phenomenal sight" to behold.

"When it was first said they were going to do it, I just couldn't envisage it," he said.

"But walking across here this morning, you're lost for words really."

The bridge has been temporarily opened to facilitate fans who have travelled from around the world to watch the first match of the Rugby World Cup.

It is expected to open permanently later this year.

The bridge will open properly later this year

Leader of Sunderland City Council Michael Mordey said the opening of the Keel Crossing for the tournament was an "amazing milestone in the regeneration of the city".

"I am absolutely delighted to have people finally crossing the bridge today," he said

"It will be open full time for the public in a few months time but this is a real international moment for the city, so I am delighted people finally get to use the crossing today."