TWO historic bridges in Warrington have been nominated for a new Civil Engineering Heritage Award.

The Transporter Bridge and the Woolston Eyes Footbridge have be shortlisted for the newly-established award, the Institution of Civil Engineers North West has announced.

Margaret Ingham, chairman of Friends of Warrington Transporter Bridge, described the news as a 'great boost' for the campaign to make the Transporter Bridge better known and more appreciated in the north west.

She added: "We are holding a Centenary Day for the bridge in September 2016.

"It would be the icing on the cake to win and display the award on the day.”

Cllr Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council, added that it was great to see a Warrington landmark being recognised in this way.

He added: "Warrington is very proud of its civil engineering heritage and we welcome the nomination.

"Hopefully it will take us another step closer to securing external heritage funds in order to protect the future of the bridge.”

Brian Duguid, a peer of the Institution of Civil Engineers, hailed the Woolston Eyes Footbridge as 'highly significant in civil engineering terms'.

He added: "The reserve was built as part of major alterations to the River Mersey during the Manchester Ship Canal construction around 1896, and is an important asset for Warrington.”

Darrell Matthews, north west regional director of the Institution of Civil Engineers, said: “Last year’s North West Civil Engineering Awards were dominated by Warrington-based companies, which is an indicator of the town’s growing importance to the region.

"This year we’ve introduced our Heritage Award, and it’s great to see that local people have put forward local civil engineering landmarks, which shows pride in Warrington’s civil engineering heritage."

Judging will take place in January with the winners announced during an awards dinner later this year.