A Mersey Gateway volunteer is calling for more Halton residents to join the project's volunteer programme.

Tracy Holland, from Runcorn, was one of the first people to join the volunteer programme when it launched in May last year.

She is now encouraging other local people to join her to help share the story of Halton and the new bridge, currently one of the largest building projects in the UK.

Tracy is urging people to come along to the next volunteer open day on Tuesday, January 27 at 10.30am at the Kingsway Learning Centre in Widnes to find out more.

She said: "Being a Mersey Gateway volunteer is a fantastic experience.

“I've learnt about Halton's history and about the building of the iconic cable-stayed bridge that will last for future generations.

“Sharing this knowledge with others is amazing. My message to anyone thinking of volunteering with the project is ‘come and join us and be a part of history in the making."

The volunteers are helping Merseylink's staff team to deliver a programme of talks, presentations and temporary exhibitions in local community venues, schools, colleges, and the visitor centres, when they open later this year.

Louise Cash, Merseylink's volunteer coordinator, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to get involved with something really special.

"It's not every day you get the chance to work on such an iconic project, one that will leave a real legacy for the future.

"We currently have around 40 volunteers working with us.

"They're a great bunch and we're looking forward to recruiting more people to help share the story of the Mersey Gateway bridge with the  community."

Volunteers are enrolled onto a special training programme, where they learn about all aspects of the project from local history, environment and ecology, to health and safety, and the construction process.

They are also supported to enhance their knowledge and skills in order to help improve their employment prospects.

Two former volunteers Karen Nicholson and Yvonne Meakin have found jobs with the project.

If you are interested in becoming a Mersey Gateway volunteer come along to the open day or email volunteers@merseylink.com.