Hastings Pier restoration aided by barge arrival

A barge and crane have arrived at Hastings Pier to provide a base for work on the structure ravaged by a fire in October 2010.

The derelict pier, which was further damaged by storms in February, is undergoing a £14m restoration.

Workmen will demolish the ballroom and use the barge as a platform from which to install new steel work and columns.

Almost 40% of the restoration work has been completed. The Hastings Pier Trust hopes to reopen the pier next summer.