Motorists crossing the River Tyne are bracing themselves for months of chaos as a major project to restore the Grade II* listed bridge has got underway.

Basically it has been the focus of my lens many times over the years and during the project the number of lanes open to traffic will be halved.

I picked up this framed print (above) in a shop in Newcastle a few years back and I like that it shows how the iconic structure was constructed. Building of the bridge started in August 1925 using shipbuilding techniques by local shipyard workers. It was regarded as a prototype for the construction of Sydney Harbour Bridge was officially opened on 10 October 1928 by King George V. It has since become a defining symbol of the North East according to the Newcastle City Council website.

So I thought I would look back through my archive to find my favourite shots of the landmark ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2028 by which time the repairs will hopefully be completed.

By 1987 I was working as a computer operator at the Sunderland Outdoor Activities Association. basically I was required to develop their membership database. In October of that year I photographed a sponsored charity Abseil from the Tyne Bridge which was organised by my bosses. Officially this was my first ever published photo as we used it in the monthly newsletter but I had some influence over the decision as I was the unofficial acting editor. Would you believe I actually took a leap of faith to take part in a similar event a year later to raise funds for charity in an effort to cure my fear of heights. And, for the record, it did not work in curing my fear of heights.

I always liked this shot which was taken when I had decided to become a press photographer and I was using a lot of black and white film. Around this time I bought my first enlarger and set up my home darkroom. Basically my dad made me a blackout blind for my bedroom window and I set up the processing trays on a makeshift bench using various items of furniture. I remember one time I did some publicity photos for local boxers and after washing the prints they were spread out to dry on each step of the stairs of my parents house. In 1991 I started the photojournalism course in Sheffield. But as I recall this photo was one that I first printed in late 1988 and one or two of my friends probably have it hanging on their walls.

Related article: The Great North Run

Every year the Tyne Bridge takes centre stage as the Great North Run crosses it after starting just north of the River Tyne. I did cover the start one year and even captured a star of the British soap Emmerdale racing off at the start.

However during 1993 I decided to get some photos as the competitors crossed the Tyne Bridge and I think this shot shows their determination to reach my hometown of South Shields.

When it was announced that the former Dutch footballer Ruud Gullit was to be the next Newcastle UFC manager we decided to do a shot of a female model with a clog on her foot with the Tyne Bridge as a backdrop.

If you look carefully you will realise that the clog was way too small for her foot and that is because it was a borrowed wall ornament but at least the Daily Star used the pic.

Getting back to the Great North Run in 1999 I covered the launch of the Great North Run and took this shot of Sonia O’Sullivan with the Tyne Bridge in the background. And it was used by the Sunday Times.

When I was at the top of Newcastle Keep on one occasion and was impressed with the view in 2001. This shot shows the Tyne Bridge as well as the recently installed Millennium Bridge.

Around the Millennium, or the year 2000, a rival to the southern University Boat Race was launched which pitched Durham against Newcastle universities. I quite like this shot of the two boats heading towards the Tyne Bridge. And it got a decent show in the Journal.

When I was waiting to start my reporting course in 2022 I shot a few pics on Newcastle quayside and this is one of my favourite shots. Because the Millennium Bridge had been installed I actually had a decent vantage point in the middle of the river.

It is a recreation of my photo in 1988 but I reckon it is better because it is more central.

This is a classic view of the bridge and it was taken in early 2006. As I recall I was using a monopod to steady the compact camera but I do like the blurred representations of the people on the street.