Spanning a Century - Newport Transporter Bridge was narrated by Hayley Mills, the actress who, as a child, clambered over the structure for her scenes as Gillie in the 1959 film Tiger Bay.

Hayley's experience in south Wales obviously left a lasting impression and she is the Honorary Life Vice-President of the Friends of the Newport Transporter Bridge association, formed in 1995 to protect its future.

"I spent a long cold night on that bridge when I was only 12," says Hayley, also the screen star of The Parent Trap, Whistle Down The Wind and the daughter of the late film legend Sir John Mills.

"I was just a kid but I remember seeing the bridge for the first time. I had never seen anything like it - it was like a prehistoric creature.

"We set up camp right opposite, at the back of the Waterloo café. I seem to remember it creating quite a stir."

Indeed the transporter bridge made such an impression on the young Hayley that she even shed a few tears when she was shown this BBC Wales film for the first time.

Producer Maria David, herself a Newport girl with a strong affinity to the transporter bridge, said Hayley was extremely touched by the film.

"She really does care about the bridge which is incredible really when you think of all the places she's been and the people she's met.

"She was only filming on the bridge for a few hours one evening back in her childhood but like anyone who goes on the transporter bridge, you can't help but fall in love with it.

"It's very special that we managed to get Hayley to narrate the programme because she lives in America now.

"She was only in the UK on a visit but she managed to squeeze us into her schedule. And she was only too pleased to help."

The excitement generated by the Tiger Bay film crew is only one chapter in the story of the transporter bridge, as told in this BBC Wales documentary.

Designed by French architect Ferdinand Arnodin and opened in 1906, the 2500-ton, 242 foot tall structure provided vital transportation across the River Usk for steel workers employed at the then new Lysaghts steelworks.

As the years went by the 'aerial ferry' was utilised by families enjoying a day out in Coronation Park, Pill, as well as gangs of young lads who would hang on to the bottom of the gondola and hitch a lift across the Usk, or drop off for a swim.

It survived the depression in the 30s, bombing raids in World War II, the opening of the George Street bridge in the 60s and even an attack by young journalist Peter John in the South Wales Argus.

A now humbled Peter, who admits his attack was the folly of youth, is one of several people interviewed in the programme about the bridge, which we're told has played its part in romances, great parties and even some controversy.

There is no doubting the bridge holds many precious memories, as well as providing Newport with an elegant reminder of its history.

"It's a real centre of the community," adds Maria.

"Every person I interviewed for the programme absolutely adores the bridge and I think that bodes well for its future."