THANKS to my reporter’s job with the Post I was privileged to have a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience when I was invited to join a tour of the Tamar Bridge to mark its 60th birthday.

It was exciting but I have to confess found the prospect scary too.

I joined three other members of the media and we were put in harnesses and hard hats under the supervision of engineering manager, Richard Cole.

Richard and Samuel, one of the bridge workers, led us inside the tower which had a maze of ladders.

We were each clipped on to a system which worked like a seat belt to keep you safe in case you fell off the ladder.

One at a time, we climbed six levels up the ladder with the help of Samuel, who reassured us and gave us the confidence to carry on.

The climb was hard work and took around 40 minutes to reach the lower viewing area but it was all so very worthwhile.

Here we were met by Nicolas, who ensured we were all safe and fastened on.

I ventured out on to the wraparound viewing area with a mesh floor to see straight down – it was spectacular.

The view was breathtaking. Luckily it was a clear day so great for taking photos.

It was surreal-looking 73 metres down on the traffic, which moved along like toy cars.

There were 360 degree views of the Tamar with the boats bobbing around on the water.

There is no doubt it was an exhilarating experience and one I will never forget. After this I was allowed to venture onto the slightly higher viewing area, which was a lot more exposed.

We had to take turns going up as it was quite small.

Thankfully I felt safe as I was clipped on by a large carabiner.

From here I could see straight down the big cables that the bridge workers sometimes use.

Then it was time to head back down the tower to the Visitor Centre.

I had five minutes before the next tour of the lower bridge area, so took the opportunity to get a photo of Florence Hope, a local singer songwriter, who wrote and sang ‘Under the bridge-connections’ for the anniversary.

For the second part of the tour Post colleague Simon joined the group – he wasn’t so keen on climbing up so avoided the top tower.

Wearing hi-vis jackets and hard hats, we were led out to the bridge and down some stairs to a small walkway which hung in between the foundations of the road above and the river 33 metres below.

I actually felt more nervous on this tour than the top tour as it was more exposed and being able to see and walk over the river at low tide was somewhat daunting. The walkway was narrow – thankfully it had handles either side – and a mesh floor.

It would sometimes wobble when a large lorry drove over the road above us, which was a bit nerve-racking.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and am lucky to be one of the few who have been up the top tower.