Those heading back to Wales across the Severn Bridge for Christmas are in line for a festive treat as tolls across the two iconic bridges will be scrapped on Monday.

Motorists using the Severn Crossing between England and Wales currently pay £5.60 for cars and £16.70 for lorries and coaches, but as of Monday it will be free of charge.

Around 25 million car journeys are made every year between the bridges, with daily commuters paying £1,400-a-year for the privilege.

The official tolls came into force 50 years ago with the opening of the first Severn Bridge in 1966, with drivers charged 2s 6d (£0.125) at booths near Bristol.

But with the scrapping of the toll next week, it is believed it will be the first time in 400 years crossing the bridge will be completely free.

Shortly after it opened, replacing the Aust Ferry, Welsh poet Harri Webb wrote an ode to the Severn Bridge, which includes the line: "Across the waters wide, and all the tolls collected on the English side."

In 1996 the Second Severn Crossing, which is now called the Prince of Wales Bridge, was opened to the south, with toll booths on the Welsh side.

Severn River Crossing PLC owned and maintained both bridges, raking in up to £10m a month, until January this year when the bridges went back into public ownership.

The changes on the ground will be small at first, with temporary lanes due to be installed at the toll booths yesterday.

Further north, the M48 Severn Bridge will close for similar works after tolls are abolished on Monday.