Gateshead Millennium Bridge shines purple in honour of Queen Elizabeth II

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge shone purple on Thursday night in honour of Queen Elizabeth II after her passing at Balmoral.

The bridge connects Gateshead and Newcastle over the River Tyne for pedestrians and cyclists and opened in 2001. It was then dedicated by Her Majesty in 2002 during the Golden Jubilee tour.

Earlier this year the bridge took on the colours of the Ukrainian flag as a mark of solidarity after the country was invaded by Russia and put on another moving display last night.

The royal colour of purple shone brightly from the Gateshead Millennium Bridge arch and reflected in the water below.

Passers-by along the Quayside on Thursday evening paused for a moment's reflection and to take a picture of the bridge.

One Twitter user remembered the day that Queen Elizabeth II formally opened the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

In a message online, Sam Keys wrote: "In 2002 (age 11) when the Queen opened the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, me and many other children were invited.

"Being so small I couldn't see a thing. A security guard lifted me over the crowd and barrier and let me sit on the path the Queen would be walking.

"I was quite oblivious to the whole situation, but when she approached I was in awe. She greeted people, collected flowers and gave her famous wave to the little lad who was sat on the floor, RIP Queen Elizabeth."