SUGGESTIONS for the name of the newest Hythe Royal Military Canal crossing have arrived at the Kentish Express newspaper this week.

The paper has been encouraged by Shepway District Council to ask its readers and the community who will use the new 30-metre bridge which was gently winched into position across the ancient waterway near Burmarsh Road last week what they would like it to be called.

Ronald Hollands, of Nightingale Avenue in Hythe, favours the idea of the Sovereign's Bridge to commemorate the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and the Golden Jubilee of the present Queen.

Elma Crocker, of Golden Valley in Folkestone, has fond memories of working in Hythe. She would prefer to call it the Jubilee Bridge for the Jubilee year.

Mother and son team Daphne and Bert Coules from Hythe have also been busy thinking up suggestions. They both said because of so many neighbouring roads being named after birds, the theme should continue.

Mrs Coules, of Finch Grove, therefore likes the prospect of Twitcher's Bridge while Mr Coules has emailed a list which includes Eagle Bridge, Bluebird Bridge, Blackhawk Bridge, Kestrel Bridge, Magpie Bridge, Cormorant Bridge, Seagull Bridge, Swift Bridge, Wild Bird Bridge, Flight Bridge, Aviary Bridge or Nest Bridge.

The Kentish express will be passing the names to Shepway District Council for consideration. Ideas already bounced around the civic centre include the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Bridge and decorating the new structure with gold lacquer to mark the Monarch's 50-year reign.

The bridge, which will be officially unveiled in the summer, will replace the so-called Green Bridge.