Work under way to repair River Tyne Swing Bridge

Northumbria Water said repairs were under way to the damaged culvert

Work is under way to reopen Newcastle's historic Swing Bridge after the area below it was damaged by flash flooding.

The bridge, which opened in 1876 over the River Tyne, has been out of action since flash floods at the weekend.

The crossing itself was unaffected but an underground culvert collapsed under the road on the Gateshead side.

Northumbria Water, which is responsible for repairing the collapsed culvert, said repairs were under way and it was hoped it would be open in about a week.

It said the survey showed that no further damage to the culvert had been detected.

Northumbrian Water said it would have to re-seat a manhole cover and, with Gateshead Council's highways department, repair road surfaces in the area affected by the collapse and storm erosion.