THE Queen will be able to admire a new look Town Bridge in Chippenham which was officially unveiled last Friday.

Coun Monica Blake, chairman of North Wiltshire District Council's area committee, performed the official unveiling.

The practical and elegant new railings were built to a design by artist and blacksmith, Melissa Cole, who won a competition to select the best design.

Coun Blake said: "Completion of the scheme means the bridge will again become the centrepiece in Chippenham's rejuvenated town centre."

The town bridge has always played an important part in the town's development. The original 17th century arched and balustrade stone structure was removed in the 1960s as part of the road and river improvements.

It was replaced by the current concrete structure.

In 1998 a competition was launched to design new railings more in keeping with the town centre.

The design by Ms Cole, 32, from Marlborough shows the swirling water surrounded by a depiction of arches of the old bridge.

The design sweeps up to the four new stone lamp columns. An elegant stainless steel tubular handrail completes the design.

Paul Lancaster, spokesman for the district council said: "Despite submissions from artists of high repute from elsewhere, the district council was delighted a local artist won the competition.

"Ms Cole has carried out several other commissions for the district council and worked in numerous schools."

Representatives from county, district and town council attended the official unveiling, along with Westlea Housing Association. They all provided funds for the scheme.

Also attending were representatives of DHF Engineering of Melksham, the firm responsible for turning the design into reality.