These stunning pictures show the medieval bridge which currently lies covered below Rochdale town centre.

The council are planning to reopen the River Roch, which runs below the town centre, to expose the bridge which dates back 800 years.

It is part of a £4.2m project which will see three sections of the culvert removed to reveal the river and the historic multi-phased bridge on The Butts and the bottom of Yorkshire Street in the town centre.

The majority of funding for the project has already been secured and a final bid will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in February.

If successful, work could get under way in the spring with the river and bridge reopened by early 2015.

John Percival from Rochdale council, who is leading the project, was among a group who went below the town centre today (Tuesday) to take a first hand look at the 800 year old bridge.

He added: "The plan is now to take away some sections of culvert and reveal the river and the historic bridges.

"We are going to introduce natural features back into the river that are under the culvert.

"The idea has been around for ages and we are looking at this in relation to the regeneration of the whole of Rochdale town centre."

Council leader Colin Lambert also believes revealing the bridge and river will be a big factor in the ongoing redevelopment of the town centre.

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He said: "We are bringing 800 years of history into the modern era.

"It is crucial for the regeneration of Rochdale and this project has been crucial when talking to developers and stores looking to invest.

"This will the crown jewel of the town along with Rochdale town hall.

"It will bring a big chunk of pride back to Rochdale."

Earlier this year the council, in partnership with in partnership with English Heritage and the Royal Institute of British Architects, launched a design competition asking for architects to draw up plans for the area around the proposed reopened river.

The winning design, which will be implemented, has now been chosen and is expected to be announced shortly.