Hundreds fight to preserve bridge

Campaigners say the bridge has been a Leicester landmark since the 1890s

Campaigners have made a last ditch attempt to save a well-known bridge in Leicester from demolition.

The city's derelict Victorian Bowstring Bridge is due to be dismantled in just over a week's time.

The land will then be developed by De Montfort University to build a swimming pool and sports centre.

Around 300 people took part in a rally on Saturday and hope their efforts will show the city council how important the bridge is to people in Leicester.

Campaigners hoping to save the bridge - which once carried trains through the city - had applied for it to be listed which would have given legal protection because of its historical importance.

But English Heritage said the structure did not meet the criteria.

A provisional date of 21 September has been set by the city council for the start of the demolition project.