Covers sheltering repair work to one of the Westcountry's most iconic bridges are slowly being taken down.

The people of Plymouth and South East Cornwall are getting their first glimpses of how the fully-restored Royal Albert Bridge will look after its £10 million facelift.

The historic crossing over the River Tamar – designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel – is undergoing the biggest revamp in its history thanks to a 70-strong, 100ft-high workforce.

Now covers have been removed on the Plymouth side of the engineering masterpiece, exposing a fresh lick of paint on one small patch.

The Saltash end is set to see new paint unveiled in a matter of weeks. Work is set to finish in early 2014.