The new Princes Quay bridge in Hull could be named after trailblazing rugby league referee Julia Lee

Julia Lee is a Hull woman who fought prejudice to establish herself as a high-level official. She now lives in Huddersfield.

She was nominated by pupils at Newland School for Girls in Hull for a Highways England competition to name the bridge after inspirational local figures, and has made the final shortlist.

Julia said: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard that I had been shortlisted as one of the suggested names for the new bridge. It just goes to show that it’s possible to inspire others, and become a role model, by being good at what you do and believing in yourself. I want these young women to overcome the barriers I faced and develop the confidence to succeed.”

Hull has a tradition of naming roads after rugby league legends, including Clive Sullivan and Roger Millward.

Julia was the first woman to qualify as a rugby league referee in either Britain or Australia, and no other woman has surpassed her achievements in the game. She began officiating at the age of just 17, overseeing men's matches. She reached National Conference Premier Division level before retiring due to injury. She has been involved in the development of match official training pathways and she also works as a life coach and mentor to young women.

The other nominations are: World War Two bomber pilot Thomas Ransom; fishing trawler safety campaigner Lillian Bilocca; Hull's first female GP Dr Mary Murdoch; and slave trade abolitionist William Wilberforce.

The bridge was lifted into place overnight in November and will provide a pedestrian link between the city centre and Hull Marina. It's hoped the project will help to regenerate areas such as Humber Street and the Fruit Market, which were severed from the rest of the Old Town when the A63 was built 40 years ago.

A public vote to choose the name of the bridge opened today (March 9) and will run for two weeks. Vote at Hull Minster or online at https://sway.office.com/0eCyzGCJQJUiiDaw.