It’s opening for Mersey as Meghan

DETAILS of the Royal visit have been confirmed by Halton Borough Council as excitement across Halton reaches fever pitch.

This morning, Her Majesty and the Duchess of Sussex will carry out their first engagement together when they officially open the Mersey Gateway bridge.

Having arrived at Runcorn Station, they will travel to the Catalyst Science And Discovery Museum, where the opening event will take place in full view of the bridge.

Guests will include many of those who have helped to make the bridge a reality including local politicians, partners from across the region, community volunteers, staff from the construction consortium and operating teams.

It has also been announced that young people will be at the centre of the celebrations.

Halton Borough Council said that around 600 local schoolchildren have been invited to the event, and they have been sharing their thoughts ahead of the big day.

Maya Neal, nine, from Victoria Road Primary School, Runcorn, said: “I am so excited to be able to see The Queen and the Duchess because it is a once in a life time opportunity.

“I feel very lucky that our school was chosen to take part.”

Karl Landrum, headteacher at St Gerard’s Catholic Primary And Nursery School, said: “It is a honour for our children to be able to witness the official opening of the bridge which is only a few minutes away from our school and therefore part of our school community; I wish all of the organisers lots of luck with such an exciting event for Halton.”

Amelia, Luke, Grace and Mason, Year 4 pupils at All Saints Upton, said: ”We can’t believe we are getting the opportunity to see the opening of the Mersey Gateway Bridge. “We have loved watching it get built. “We have waited our whole lives to see royalty and now get to see The Queen and the Duchess Of Sussex so soon after seeing her wedding.”