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James Ellis bridge officially opened in east Belfast

James Ellis' wife Robina and son Toto at the official opening of the new bridge in east Belfast
James Ellis' wife Robina and son Toto at the official opening of the new bridge in east Belfast James Ellis' wife Robina and son Toto at the official opening of the new bridge in east Belfast

A NEW bridge named in honour of actor James 'Jimmy' Ellis was officially opened in east Belfast today on the third anniversary of his death.

His widow Robina and son Toto attended the opening of the new bridge located close to where the well-known actor had grown up.

Best known for his roles in the 60s series Z-Cars and the Billy Plays, Ellis passed away in 2014 aged 82.

The James Ellis bridge is part of the multi-million Connswater Community Greenway and links C.S Lewis Square, Mersey Street and Victoria Park.

It includes 1.4km of new cycle and walkway as well as play areas and public art.

Spanning the Connswater River, it is also located close to the Sam Thompson Bridge, named after the playwright and long-time friend of Mr Ellis.

Hundreds of people, including many school children, yesterday gathered to see the bridge officially opened by members of Mr Ellis' family.

Mrs Ellis said it was a fitting tribute to her late husband.

"We are especially delighted to be here to unveil the naming of a bridge after our beloved Jimmy," she said.

"Jimmy wore his fame lightly and humbly and would not have imagined this particular tribute possible, and so near to the end of the road where his family lived for 60 years.

"We would like to consider the bridge naming as a double tribute, which would have made Jimmy very happy."

Belfast Lord Mayor Brian Kingston said he was delighted to be "recognising one of Belfast’s finest actors".

"It is fitting that a bridge which provides a pathway to unite two sides of a river is named in his honour and that it will allow people to enjoy more of the east Belfast area of which he was so proud."