THE camera pans across the faces and places of Cardiff's docklands, following actors through one of the most cosmopolitan places in Britain, 1959.

Cut to a shot of traffic and people crossing the River Usk on Newport's famous Transporter Bridge - 'magically' transported to its rival city. For Newportonians, the opening sequence of the film Tiger Bay is enough to make the blood boil.

But one of the film's stars, then child actress Hayley Mills, is making amends.

For Hayley has become an official Friend of the bridge. "Forty-five years after the film was made she has agreed to become honorary life vice-president of the Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge," FONTB's secretary, Anne Gatehouse, said.

"We are delighted. "The whole thing came about after Miss Mills was appearing in a play at the New Theatre in Cardiff, and during her stay in the city visited St Mary's Church, in Splott, which apart from the Transporter Bridge is probably the only landmark from the film left standing.

"We pointed out that since the film had used a shot of the Transporter Bridge as though it were in Cardiff, she should by rights come to Newport to see it.

"We had a very nice letter back in which she said that there simply had not been time to come and pay her respects to the Transporter Bridge, but agreeing to become an honorary life vice-president.

"A bit of teasing has gone on, and Miss Mills is now in no doubt that the Transporter Bridge is in Newport, and not Cardiff."

Tiger Bay starred Miss Mills as a young girl who is kidnapped by a Polish sailor who has killed his faithless girlfriend, but who finds his new acquisition a match for him. Horst Buchholtz played the part of the seaman in the film, which also starred Miss Mills' father, John.

Despite the film's critical and financial success mirth was caused locally by the 'transporting' of the bridge 13 miles to the west. "Miss Mills will have our newsletter sent to her New York address and will get a membership card," Anne Gatehouse said.

"In two years' time there will be a big celebration to mark the Transporter Bridge's opening. We are hoping that Hayley Mills will come to Newport for at least a part of it."