A historic day for Great Yarmouth has been hailed by leaders ahead of the official opening of the town’s new bridge today.

The praise comes as hundreds of people gather to celebrate the opening of the Herring Bridge.

Council leaders were giving speeches this morning at the Kingsgate Centre, on Queen Anne’s Road, to mark the official unveiling of the £121m Herring Bridge.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: People gathering for the opening ceremonyPeople gathering for the opening ceremony (Image: Newsquest)

Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, paid tribute to everyone who was involved in delivering the project.

He said: “Herring fishing brought prosperity to the region.”

He said the new bridge “can do so once again”.

Graham Plant, county councillor, said: “Like most people in Great Yarmouth, I wanted to see the project developed for many years.

“I am delighted that it has become a reality today.”

He also paid tribute to people involved in the project and the patience of the local community while the work was carried out.

Mayor of the borough, Penny Carpenter, said: “Today is the culmination of years of planning.”

She said the bridge will bring benefits to the local community.