A COMMUNITY day is being held to celebrate the opening of the new bridge.

Free bus trips will be available to give people the chance to sit back and travel over the Mersey Gateway and tour the new road network.

Free fairground rides, a circus big top, circus skills workshops and fun-filled family activities will also be available on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill said: “We know that many people will already be driving across the new bridge for work or to visit friends and family, but by offering a free bus trip, drivers will have the chance to get out from behind the wheel and see the crossing from a different perspective.

"It will also be a chance for those who haven’t crossed yet, to do so.

“We have some amazing facts and figures about the bridge that we’re sure passengers on the trip will find fascinating.”

“After years of construction this is a time for celebration and the community day is a chance for families to enjoy a fun day out together.”

Members of the public will be able to hop on and hop off free Arriva buses at The Brindley in Runcorn and the Select Stadium in Widnes.

At these venues a range of fun family activities will take place.

This will include fairground rides, circus big top, circus skills workshops, face painting, hair braiding, entertainment and much more.

Also on offer at the Select Security Stadium will be a range of sporting activities for families to try including tutored table tennis, archery and new age kurling.

Stadium Fitness will be opening the doors of its gym for people to try.

A range of specially designed Mersey Gateway merchandise, including t-shirts, mugs, pens, keyrings etc will be on sale at both venues.

All profits from the sale of these items will be donated to the Mayor’s charities, Halton Speaks Out and HEARTS (Halton Entertainment Arts Regional Theatre School).