Work on Weston-super- Mare's Grand Pier is on target with support piles for a new 85 metre observation tower due to be driven into the sea bed next week.

Commercial Marine Piling has already installed 22 steel piles into the sea bed to support the new pavilion, which will open for the summer of 2010.

The work has been carried out using a specialist barge brought on site to cope with the high tides in Weston bay.

Metalwork, some of which was damaged in the blaze which destroyed the old pavilion last July, is also being shotblasted and repaired.

Co-owners Kerry and Michelle Michael say contracts for the construction of the new pavilion have now gone out to tender.

Michelle said: "Every day sees progress being made and we are working to a tight timescale. Everything is on course with the piling and superstructure clean-up. We can't wait for the next stage."

The pair are continuing their global search to find some of the most up-to-date rides and attractions for the new pavilion. They are also finalising plans for old favourites, such as the Fun House, a go-kart track and a traditional helter-skelter.

The Fun House, twice the size of its predecessor, will be three storeys high.

Kerry said: "We want this to be the best pier in the world and for that we need to have the best rides, the biggest laughs and the most fun.

"There are designers and ride specialists working on getting that right for us all over the world.

"The pavilion is important, but what will entertain local people and attract people to Weston will be what they find when they go inside. We want to create the fun of a seaside holiday and also an all-year round attraction."