IT weighed around 800 tons, it was part of a scheme costing £12 million and it was named after one of Blackburn’s most famous sons.

Recently it was announced that the Wainwright Bridge is to be re-painted in Blackburn Rovers iconic blue and white halves but back in June 2008 the bridge was officially opened with traffic going across it for the first time.

Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: “It’s a great day, not just for the regeneration of the town but for the whole of East Lancashire.

It’s a fantastic example of what Blackburn can produce.”

The bridge was named after Blackburn fell walking legend Alfred Wainwright following a vote by readers of the Evening Telegraph.

Mayor Mohammed Khan said: “He was a famous person who was born and raised in this town and it is a proud day. This will be a landmark for Blackburn for years to come.”

Youngsters from St Anne’s RC Primary School, were the first to try the bridge out. It linked Bolton Road and Montague Street and was a key part of the town’s new orbital route.

The bridge project had taken around five years to complete having been delayed by bad weather.