WORK will start on finishing a unique “Meccano-style” bridge at a Bolton beauty spot.

Planning chiefs had granted approval for the canal bridge at Nob End in Little Lever in September.

The £90,000 bridge is designed to look like it is made from a giant Meccano set.

Following the building of the abutments and side walls, construction of the metalwork is due to begin on Saturday, with the bridge expected to be complete by Tuesday.

The ironwork bridge will link Little Lever with Moses Gate Country Park and will be built on the site of an old horse bridge, passing over the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal.

The Meccano pieces will be 10 times the size of the toy set, and a local steel fabricator will be used to make the beams, nuts and bolts in the same style — but 10 times thicker and 1,000 times heavier.

The scheme has been financed by money from a developer as part of a planning agreement.

The Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Society is carrying out improvements on the Nob End section of the canal and there are plans to turn it into a picnic area, with the bridge as its focal point. The society hopes it will be part of their long-term aspirations to create a visitor centre and reopen the waterway.

Paul Hindle, chairman of the society, said: “It’s been a long time coming. This goes back nearly three years.

“We are replacing a bridge which was last in existence 50 years ago and building one entirely of Meccano has never been done before. The response from local people has just been amazing.” Artist Liam Curtin, who dreamed up the idea, added: “It’s a nice feeling because it’s been a long struggle.

“I hope local people take it to heart and look after it.”

The society is asking for volunteers to help with the work, which will take place from 9am until 4pm from Saturday onwards.

Anyone wishing to help is asked to bring “stout shoes” and gloves.