The construction of the first opening bridge over the River Clyde has been approved.

The bridge will be part of the wider Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project that's set to 'transform the Clyde waterfront' by bringing thousands of jobs and investment to Glasgow and the surrounding areas.

The bridge, linking Renfrew and Yoker, will be designed by the architects behind the Falkirk Wheel.

Scottish Government ministers approved the project on Friday.

It is expected to create more than 2300 jobs and inject £867million into the regional economy.

The project also includes new roads, walkways and cycle routes and a 150-acre site next to Glasgow Airport being developed into a manufacturing district.

"This is fantastic news for the entire city region and for Scotland," said Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson.

"The completed project and subsequent regeneration has the potential to deliver a significant economic boost to the Glasgow City region" he added.

"Communities on both sides of the Clyde will benefit from greatly improved access to their work, to education and to hospitals through the new connections which will also help reduce congestion and improve journey times."

Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside is one of three Glasgow City Region City Deal-funded projects in Renfrewshire.

The £1.13billion City Deal is an agreement between the UK Government, Scottish Government and eight local authorities to deliver improved infrastructure, create new jobs, tackle unemployment and drive innovation and growth.

It has already helped 8085 people across the region into jobs through a youth gateway programme, including 745 in Renfrewshire.