Stunning new footbridge set to be built at Tintagel Castle

These images show a breathtaking new footbridge that could be built at the historic Tintagel Castle - following a global competition run by English Heritage.

As part of a £4million project a new bridge at the site is hoped to link the divided landscape of the settlement - widely regarded as the birth place of King Arthur.

The remains of the settlement can currently be seen on both the mainland and jagged headland jutting into the sea and were once united by a narrow strip of land.

The winning bridge by Ney & Partners Civil Engineers and William Matthews Associates was selected from 137 entries from 27 countries

The new bridge is designed to follow the path of the original land bridge and help visitors better understand the site's history and improve access to the island.

The winning bridge by Ney & Partners Civil Engineers and William Matthews Associates was selected from 137 entries from 27 countries.

It is due to be completed in 2019 - if it can achieve planning permission and regulatory approval - and will be used by the castle's 200,000 annual visitors.

Kate Mavor, chief executive of English Heritage, said: 'The winning team's concept is daring and very exciting. It is not the final design but instead a brilliant indication of the team's talent and imagination.

'We will now work with them on a design that will both complement the spectacular landscape and unlock for the visitor the history of the site.'

William Matthews, founder of William Matthews Associates, said: 'Tintagel Castle attracts visitors for many reasons: the dramatic landscapes and geological formations, the Dark Ages remains, the ruined 12th century castle and the legends of King Arthur and Tristan and Isolde.