A HISTORIC bridge seen as being central to Ulverston’s past as a bustling port has been revitalised by a regeneration group.

The Rolling Bridge at Canal Foot was presented by the Ulverston Canal Regeneration Group following months of work undertaken to show it off to the public.

Supporters turned out for a celebration of the bridge, which has been cleaned and cleared to be exhibited to the public, following around 18 months of work by engineers, archivists and other committed backers.

Mayor Sharon Webster cut the ribbon as around 40 people came to catch a glimpse of the listed structure, which dates back to 1883.

Colin Smith, the chairman of the regeneration group said: “We’ve worked hard over the last 18 months so the public can see something that has been very important for Ulverston.

“We started clearing the ivy away and then it took longer because we had to wait to chop down the nearby trees which had birds nesting in.

“It’s such a part of Ulverston's heritage. The canal is the reason why the town became an important port and centre of business.

“The rolling bridge is tied in the history of Ulverston.”

The structure rolled back on wheels to allow trains to pass over but not disturb the pathway for boats. Mayor Sharon Webster said: “I was proud to cut the ribbon.”