Princess Royal opens new Northside Bridge

The ribbon cutting ceremony Credit: ITV Border

The Princess Royal has officially opened the new Northside Bridge in Workington in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The original bridge was destroyed in the 2009 floods. It was where PC Bill Barker lost his life, he was on it keeping traffic away as it collapsed.

Her Royal Highness met Mr Barker's wife and family at a memorial for him on the south-side of the bridge.

PC Bill Barker, who lost his life in the 2009 floods Credit: ITV Border

Hazel Barker, Bills Widow spoke to ITV Border's Tim Backshall about what Bill would have thought about the day and what a difference the bridge will make to the local community

Hazel also paid tribute to the people of Cumbria

The Princess also met local residents who were affected by the floods, members of Cumbria County Council and construction workers involved in building the new bridge.

The Princess unveiled the commemorative plaque, before six-year-old Samuel Kelly from Northside Primary School, along with his three-year-old sister Danielle, who's house was flooded in 2009, presented Her Royal Highness with a bouquet.

The princess meets local school children Credit: ITV Border