Newport County AFC travelled to Middlesbrough for their fourth round FA Cup tie last weekend. Not only were their two managers from Pillgwenlly and went to the same school, but we also share a landmark. Newport's transporter bridge is one of only six such bridges still operating in the world today. Middlesbrough is home to one of the others. To celebrate this FA Cup clash, the chairman of the Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge, David Hando, proposed to present a canvas print of the Newport bridge to the manager of the winning team, both of whom were born in the shadow of the bridge. Saturday's match ended in a draw, and we now look forward to the replay decider at Rodney Parade.

Whilst we await the final football result, we already know that Newport has won the battle of the transporter bridges. Opened in 1906, it's a much loved icon on Newport's skyline and a symbol of our proud industrial and maritime heritage. It spans the wide and fast-flowing River Usk, which has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world. It took four years to build and cost £98,000. Along with Newport City Council, the dedicated volunteers of Friends of Transporter Bridge are working hard to secure a £10 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant. Newport's beloved transporter bridge has been at the heart of our city for over a century, and I encourage people across Wales to support the campaign to ensure it remains there for future generations.