A contest calling out for names for a new bridge in Great Yarmouth might have been expected to bring in more than a few silly suggestions. 

A Bridgey McBridgeface, maybe?

Or a Fred?

And yet, according to information released by Norfolk County Council, the naming competition for the town's £121m third river crossing was an altogether more sober affair. 

Among the 233 unique entries, the only suggestions that could be even remotely accused of wackiness were the Fish Finger Bridge, Joe's Crossing and the Great 'G'.

But each of these names received only one vote, meaning we will probably never learn the identity of 'Joe' or the meaning of 'G'.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The vessel at the centre of the Boaty McBoatface saga in 2017.The vessel at the centre of the Boaty McBoatface saga in 2017.

All of the other 230 entries seemed to want to avoid the kind of controversy brought about by the Boatey McBoatface saga. 

The most popular name, with 14 votes, was the Jubilee Bridge, followed by the Nelson Bridge, with 10 nominations. 

But both entries failed to make the shortlist of five names announced last month.

The options were: Queens Gate, Kings Bridge, Britannia Bridge, Yare Bridge and Herring Bridge.

Those final five nominations were decided by a naming committee made up of county and district councillors and representatives from local community groups.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A view of what the third river crossing in Great Yarmouth will look like.A view of what the third river crossing in Great Yarmouth will look like. (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Voting on the shortlist closed on January 31 and the winner will be announced in the spring with the bridge due to open this summer.

The third river crossing will link the A47 at Harfrey’s roundabout to the port and the enterprise zone via South Denes Road on the other side of the River Yare. 

It is hoped the bridge will cut journey times and boost the economy - but it could also see the axing of Gorleston Fire Station which will be only minutes away from the one in Friar's Lane on the other side of the River Yare when the bridge opens.

For some people, whatever the ultimate result of the naming contest, the crossing will always be known as the 'new new bridge'.

The naming contest's Top 10:

Jubilee Bridge - 14

Yare Bridge - 10

Nelson Bridge - 10

The Gloucester Bridge - 8

Silver Darling Bridge - 8

King Charles III Bridge - 8

Herring Bridge - 7

The Platinum Bridge - 6

The Nelson Bridge - 6 

Brittania Bridge - 6