TWO talks will take place tomorrow, Friday, to celebrate two of England’s most historically significant and unique transporter bridges.

Margaret Ingham, Chairman of Friends of Warrington Transporter Bridge, and Manchester Metropolitan University historian Dr Tosh Warwick will lead the two-hour discussion when they visit the Town Hall Council Chamber from 7pm.

The illustrated talks will tell the story of each bridge’s role in the industrial heritage of the local area and look at some of the challenges and opportunities they pose in the twenty-first century.

Organisers hope that the event will help encourage collaboration and the development of future heritage links between the two areas.

Both grade-two listed structures were constructed by Sir William Arrol and Co. in the 1910s to improve local industrial infrastructure.

Warrington Transporter Bridge, also known as Bank Quay or Crosfield’s Transporter Bridge was designed by William Henry Hunter in 1916 to cross the River Mersey, but has been out of use since 1964.

Tees Transporter Bridge meanwhile was designed by Cleveland Bridge and opened in 1911 to connect Middlesbrough to Port Clarence.

It has undergone extensive regeneration in recent years, including the installation of a lift to the 160ft-high upper walkway, gondola renovation and visitor improvements.

Ahead of the talks, Margaret Ingham said: “We are delighted to be bringing together stories of these two iconic structures.

“Since the formation of FOWTB in 2015, we have seen awareness and interest in the bridge’s history increase rapidly and gain attention from around the world.

“We hope that promoting its heritage can help to secure the icon’s long-term future”.

Dr Tosh Warwick added: “The two bridges are symbols of their areas and provide tangible, important connections to Britain’s industrial heritage.

“Hopefully the event will act as a catalyst to exchange knowledge and identify ways to celebrate these iconic wonders of engineering and enhance connections between the North East and North West for the benefit of future generations.”

Those interested in attending can register through Eventbrite, Facebook Event or by emailing contact@warringtontransporterbridge.co.uk.

There will also be an opportunity for attendees to learn more about FOWTB and to purchase souvenirs.