Darlington-based Cleveland Bridge is to receive £49 million from UK Export Finance (UKEF) in order to construct 250 bridges in Sri Lanka to improve the country’s rural transport infrastructure.

This follows the provision of support in 2011 for 210 bridges and in 2014 for 618 bridges.

The Sri Lankan government estimates that collectively the bridges will benefit more than 100,000 families, as well as businesses.

Cleveland Bridge (www.clevelandbridge.com) designs its modular bridges in the UK, and they are easily assembled to meet the specific needs of each site.

The company has designed and built a number of iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Tyne Bridge.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said: “Cleveland Bridge demonstrates the value that British design and engineering can bring to the world stage.

“Over the course of the last 100 years, UK Export Finance has led the way in delivering innovative finance to help British companies achieve international success across a wide range of industries and countries.”