Vauxhall Bridge is to be painted red after county council bosses found £140,000 to cover the work.

The funds come from a surplus which was generated through on-street parking in the Great Yarmouth area, and will top up the £643,000 already spent on structural repairs.

Restoration work began in November, but cash ran out before the bridge could be painted back to its original red.

Trevor Wainwright, borough council leader, said: 'I'm delighted that the county council has committed this money and that we can complete the painting of the bridge.

'The structural works have now been completed and the painting of the whole bridge will then leave just additional cosmetic repairs to be completed on the disused span, which would require further funding at a later date.

'The bridge is one of its only remaining types in the country and nowadays it serves as an important gateway for visitors to Great Yarmouth.'

David Harrison, county cabinet member for environment, transport, development and waste, said: 'Analysis of paint samples from the bridge has helped provide an insight to its early appearance.

'The bridge was originally a cream colour up to about 1919, but after this date the bridge took the crimson lake livery adopted by the Great Eastern Railway and would have retained its red appearance throughout most of its working life.

'It will be repainted in this colour.'

Funders so far have included Fair Share Trust (National Lottery), Railway Heritage Trust, ASDA, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Norfolk County Council, Garfield Western Foundation and private donations raised through Vauxhall Links Community Group.

The existing pedestrian and cycle footbridge will be kept open throughout the painting work.

Work will be carried out by the Morton Partnership.