Cleethorpes Pier work begins in time for July opening

An artist impression of how the Cleethorpes Pier will look once refurbishment work is completed

Refurbishment work has begun on transforming Cleethorpes Pier.

A contractor has been appointed to refit it with a new tearoom and restaurant, including a 360-degree boardwalk with views out to sea.

Owners expect the 335ft (100m) Victorian structure to be open in July.

Managing director Simon Huxford said: "This is an exciting milestone for us. There has been a huge amount of time and hard work put in behind the scenes to get to this stage."

Owners say the Pier will host a variety of events including weddings

Once completed the venue will host live entertainment and events, as well as exhibitions and business conferences.

"The pier will replace the gap left in the entertainment market by the closure of the Winter Gardens," said Mr Huxford.

"Our aim is for the pier to be a successful part of the regeneration of Cleethorpes, to aid increased visitors to the town and support local businesses."

Cleethorpes Pier, which was built at a cost of £8,000 and opened in 1873, was previously used as a nightclub.

Cleethorpes Pier's restaurant will have views of the sea

The Victorian structure is one of the UK's shortest piers