A ROYAL visit could be on the on the cards for a Cumbrian village, after its namesake made engineering history in the wake of Storm Desmond's devastation.

The village of Pooley Bridge could be in line for a visit from Prince Charles early next year, as hopes are raised the Prince of Wales will be able to help the Lakes village celebrate the opening of its replacement bridge after it was lost in the floodwaters brought by Storm Desmond in 2015.

The major project to replace the bridge which lends the village its name was finally completed late last month, with the first traffic crossing the brand new Pooley Bridge structure.

This structure is itself remarkable - it is the UK's first stainless steel road bridge.

The construction works were carried out on behalf of Cumbria County Council, which invested £5m in the project.

Keith Little, the county council's highways and transport cabinet member, was one of a number who gathered on October 23 to welcome the opening of the bridge to traffic.

But he announced to his his fellow councillors at a meeting last week that there was possibly to be a grander opening ceremony this coming spring, "which Prince Charles may be able to attend".

"This is an absolutely iconic structure, and I'd like, on behalf of Cumbria County Council, to pay tribute to our construction contractors on site, Eric Wright Ltd, Cumbria County Council staff and the consultants and architects that were involved," Mr Little told his fellow councillors at last Thursday's full council meeting.

"But I thank most of all the local community for their forbearance with us over a long period of time," he added.

Mr Little said that there have been some "very pleasing comments" from local community members in regard to the new bridge.

"This is an iconic structure in an iconic setting," he said. "I'm sure that for many years to come, lots of visitors will come to have a look.

"This is an absolute milestone for Cumbria County Council in its infrastructure recovery programme."