ST Neots will find out today (Wednesday) if it is to get a new bridge, when the winner of a £50million lottery grant is announced. The whole town was urged to vote for a foot and cycle bridge over the River Great Ouse linking Eaton Socon and Eynesbury.

ST Neots will find out today (Wednesday) if it is to get a new bridge, when the winner of a £50million lottery grant is announced.

The whole town was urged to vote for a foot and cycle bridge over the River Great Ouse linking Eaton Socon and Eynesbury.

The vote was part of the The People's £50 Million Lottery giveaway and was the UK's largest lottery award decided by the public.

Cllr Bob Eaton, town mayor, said he had his fingers crossed the money would be awarded to St Neots, ass part of a larger, nationwide scheme to improve cycle paths.

"I think the bridge is a good idea and it is very much needed in the town," he said.

The project, which is part of a Connect2 scheme organised by Sustrans to improve cycle ways in 79 areas of the country, is up against three other schemes.

One would allow the Eden Project to increase its green credentials through solar technology and recycling of rain water. Others would invest in protecting and enhancing Sherwood Forest, or create the Black Country Urban Park.

A spokesman for Sustrans said it was hopeful of success, but for now, it was a waiting game. "This is a very important project, which will benefit many communities and we would like to thank everyone who has voted for it."

He said, if the money was awarded to Sustrans, work would start as soon as possible with all 79 projects, including a new bridge for St Neots, being completed within five years.