A series of major repairs and refurbishments worth a total of £22m are planned for Edinburgh's North Bridge.

The historic bridge's cast-iron facade will be sandblasted and repainted under the plans, which will also see structural work carried out and joints replaced.

Edinburgh council says the Grade-A listed bridge, which was built in 1896, requires "some much needed restoration."

The council's transport and environment committee will consider the plans on Thursday.

Further proposals would include widening the pavements and resurfacing the carriageways.

Restoration work on the war memorial to the King's Own Scottish Borderers regiment is also part of the core plan.

Inspections in 2014 found a number of defects in the bridge, which links Edinburgh's Old and New Towns.

Loose material was removed and netting was installed in order to make the underside safe.

Last week's council budget set aside £10m for the project, with a further £12m earmarked under the city's capital investment programme.

Work is expected to begin in the summer if the committee approves the plan.

Transport and environment convener Lesley Macinnes said: "This historic bridge is a familiar and much-loved focal point in the city centre, and it's clear that it requires some much-needed restoration.

"I am delighted that, thanks to prudent financial management, we will be able to progress with a series of repairs, ensuring the longevity of this iconic structure."