Weston-super-Mare's Grand Pier 106th birthday

The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare will celebrate its 106th birthday this weekend.

Building work on the original seaside landmark started on November 7, 1903 when contractors Mayoh & Hayley of London were appointed.

It opened on June 1904 measuring 1,080 feet having cost £120,000 and was home to a 2,000 seat pavilion for opera, Shakespearean plays and boxing.

Light amusements were added in 1926 but on January 13, 1930, the pavilion was destroyed by fire.

It was rebuilt in 1932 and housed a large funfair instead of a theatre and for decades it was run by the Brenner family, who had bought it in 1946.

However, the pier saw two major events in 2008, firstly a change in ownership, when Rod Brenner sold it to Kerry and Michelle Michael.

The second major event was more catastrophic when a fire similar to the one in 1930, destroyed the pavilion for a second time.

Undeterred by the tragedy the Michaels have plough ahead with renovation plans to ensure the pier has a continued history in the resort.

Mr Michael says although it is the pier's birthday, celebrations will be low key while the building work continues on a new pavilion.

He aims to have the pier open for business next June and says work is progressing rapidly with the steel frame now going up.

One of those invited to attend a special opening ceremony will be Anne Mayoh, of Australia.

She contacted the Michaels to say she is the granddaughter of Arthur Mayoh, the original contractor Mayoh & Hayley and her father Karl also worked on the pier in 1931.

Mr Michael said: "We were so pleased that Anne got in touch with us as we love receiving interesting items for our social history files.

"I have invited Anne and her husband to attend one of our opening events and I very much hope she will visit the new Pier and be impressed by our work."