THE MYSTERY of how black markings appeared on a bridge over the River Wye has been solved.

Earlier this month, photographer Mick Morris brought a picture to the Hereford Times showing unexplained marks on Bredwardine Bridge.

Frank Ford, former director of one of Herefordshire's oldest building companies Beavan and Hodges, has solved the puzzle and said that the marks were made when lowering the bridge's supporting buttresses in 1921.

Mr Ford is the fourth generation of his family who worked for the former Portland Street company which closed in 2009, but still has pictures of the works taking place.

"In my grandfathers day the bridge fell down," said Mr Ford.

"Beavan and Hodges were contracted to re-build it and at the same time the buttresses were lowered in height which left the black marks behind on each pillar.

"The buttresses were originally there to help break the water, as passing bays and to support the bridge. They are still there but just at a low level."