New motors for Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge

Six cars or 200 people can be carried over the River Tees

The motors in Middlesbrough's historic Transporter Bridge are being replaced after nearly 100 years of service.

The improvements are being carried out ahead of the Grade-II listed structure's centenary next year.

Middlesbrough Council said the upgrades will make the bridge - which carries passengers and vehicles on a suspended gondola - faster and more reliable.

The bridge has been closed for the duration of the works and will reopen on 14 June.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, the council's executive member for transport, said: "The Transporter Bridge is an iconic and much loved landmark which remains in full working order nearly a hundred years after it first carried passengers across the Tees.

"That's only possible thanks to a detailed maintenance and repair programme which will ensure it enters its second century in fine shape following next year's celebrations.

"I'm grateful to motorists and pedestrians for their patience while this latest work is carried out - and I'm delighted to say that when the Transporter re-opens next month it will be better and more reliable than ever."

A replacement bus service is in place while the works are carried out.