THE iconic £1.86 billion Mersey Gateway has welcomed its first delegation of international VIPs.

The South Korean ambassador to the UK, Sungnam Lim joined a group of Korean trade representatives and UK trade and investment officials for a tour.

They visited the 1,000 metre long temporary trestle bridge and the construction site. 

There is a strong Korean connection to the project as around 14 of the 500 construction workers are bridge engineering specialists from Korea.

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill and chairman of Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said: "The project is already bringing huge benefits with new jobs and new opportunities.

“It is great to see that it is attracting so much attention on the other side of the world."

Merseylink’s joint venture team comprises of UK based Kier Infrastructure and Overseas Limited, Korea’s Samsung C&T Corporation and FCC Construccion SA from Spain.

Mr Lim said: "South Korea's link with UK industry has never been stronger and it is very exciting to see how Samsung C&T Corporation is helping deliver this project.”

Charles Hay, UK Ambassador to South Korea, said: “It is fascinating to see how the ideas and technology are all coming together to deliver such a major piece of engineering.

“UK companies are excellent at collaborating with colleagues from around the globe. It is great to see the partnership in practice here in Halton.”

Hugh O'Connor, general manager of Merseylink Consortium, said: "It has been our absolute pleasure to host the ambassadors and show them the project.

“The Merseylink Consortium is truly an international partnership that brings together experts from the UK and across the world and this visit shows that."