World Heritage bid for Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Bristol's mayor is to bid for World Heritage status for the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

George Ferguson said Isambard Kingdom Brunel's 214m (704ft) bridge across the Avon Gorge was an iconic view.

"We are one of the finest, historic cities in the country and World Heritage status really puts out a strong signal," he said.

Brunel designed the Grade I-listed bridge when he was 24 but died five years before it opened in 1864.

World Heritage sites are selected by Unesco and there are currently 28 in the UK, including Stonehenge in Wiltshire, the city of Bath and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew.

Mr Ferguson has set up a steering group within Bristol City Council with a view to making a bid.

"It's another step in the journey to make people realise that Bristol is not just an industrial port," Mr Ferguson added.

"I know that it is one of the most iconic views and is one of the most painted views of any city in this country."