THE new Mersey bridge linking Runcorn and Widnes will qualify for Government fun day.

Chief secretary to the treasury Danny Alexander confirmed on Thursday that the Mersey Gateway would be one of the key projects in the UK Guarantee Scheme.

Steve Nicholson, Mersey Gateway project director, said: “We’re very pleased with the news as it shows that government continues to recognise the benefits that Mersey Gateway can bring to the north west.

“This project is in the front line of the national infrastructure plan and an important component of the government’s growth strategy.

"The UK Guarantee Scheme helps to build capacity in the project finance market, which will support the robustness of funding proposals for Mersey Gateway as we move to deliver financial close.

"For final tender purposes we gave all three shortlisted bidders access to the UK Guarantee Scheme for up to 50 per cent of the senior debt required to fund the project.”