A BRIDGE that looks like it is made out of giant Meccano pieces has officially opened with the help of brass bands and dozens of volunteers.

And the designer of the bridge, at Nob End, Little Lever, was also on hand after his treasured structure was unveiled following a year of hard work.

More than 100 people were at Saturday’s official opening, performed by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Guy Harkin, who cut the red ribbon under blue skies.

Public artist and childhood Meccano fan Liam Curtin, who came up with the concept, said: “Not only am I proud of the bridge, but I am very proud of the lovely volunteers who have made this dream a reality.”

He, added: “It has been a great effort by a great set of people, who have helped to regenerate a section of the canal, which will hopefully be a catalyst for more regeneration in the area.”

The £90,000 steelwork bridge crosses the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal linking Little Lever with Moses Gate Country Park.

It spans 21ft and is made up of 700 oversized nuts and bolts and, according to Mr Curtin, aims to reflect Bolton’s engineering heritage.

Cllr Harkin said: “You have to grow old, but you don’t have to grow up, so seeing a Meccano bridge is great.

“I think we’ve lost a great deal of our history when we allow these canals to be built over, and one of my ambitions is to get this canal running back to Church Warf in Bolton.”

There was a performance from the Eagley Brass Band, whose members volunteered to be part of a 100-strong group who stood on the bridge to test its weight.

Youngsters had their faces painted and learned about Meccano gadgets in a special tent.

Dr Paul Hindle, Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal Society chairman, said: “Above all, this bridge belongs to Little Lever and I hope you’ll look after it and use it well.”

Mr Curtin, aged 61, from Fallowfield, was made a life member of the society.