ONE of the North East’s best known landmarks celebrates its 100th anniversary this weekend.

The Transporter Bridge, which crosses the River Tees and links Middlesbrough with Port Clarence, reaches its centenary on Monday.

One of the dominant features of the Teesside skyline, the bridge is 851ft long and still carries passengers across the river daily.

Tomorrow,,100 brave souls will bungee jump from the Grade II-listed structure and a carnival parade from Middlesbrough town centre will culminate in a fireworks display at the bridge.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Tom Blenkinsop is looking forward to joining in the celebrations.

He said: “The bridge’s 100th birthday is a significant date. It’s the most recognisable part of the town’s skyline and it symbolises the bridge-building and steel- making that was so important in the forming of the town.

“I’ve walked across it a couple of times and my grandfather used to walk across it to get from his home in Port Clarence to his job at Bell’s Steel in Middlesbrough.”

In the run-up to the birthday celebrations, the bridge has been illuminated by a spectacular light show.

Crowds have gathered by the riverbank to watch the dazzling array of colours.

The bridge was designed by Darlington firm Cleveland Bridge and built by Sir William Arrol & Co for around £87,000.

It survived German bombing raids during both World Wars and has featured in films, television programmes and music videos.

Tyneside-born actors Jimmy Nail, Tim Healy and Kevin Whately became acquainted with the Transporter when it was the centrepiece of the third series of classic comedy Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. Their characters won the contract to dismantle the bridge and rebuild it in Arizona.

The episodes, which were watched by an average of 12 million people around the world, prompted some concern among viewers and Middlesbrough Council was forced to issue a reassuring statement that the bridge was in the North East to stay.

Dave Allan from Middlesbrough remembers the series fondly and has written a book for the centenary.

He said: “As a proud Teessider and being Middlesbrough born and bred, my love for the Transporter has actually grown over the years as I’ve realised how unique it is as a bridge and an engineering masterpiece.

“The book took over my life for a year and hopefully it reflects what it means to the people of Teesside.

“It’s iconic and it’s a symbol for Teesside.

“It’s almost like a living bridge, it’s not just something you drive across, it moves and it clunks and makes some fantastic noises.”

Tomorrow’s parade starts at 6pm from mima and will follow a route along Albert Road and Bridge Street East.

The light shows take place until October 23 from 7.30pm each night.