THE summer may be coming to an end but there's still time for another trip to the seaside as today's Memories spread puts the spotlight on Clacton Pier.

The attraction first opened in July 1871 and was the first building erected in the then-new resort of Clacton-on-Sea.

It served as a landing point for goods and passengers and was a docking point for steamships.

As the town's popularity grew, it was lengthened to include entertainment facilities and major improvements included a RNLI lifeboat house, the Ocean Theatre, the classically-named Blue Lagoon Dance Hall, the Crystal Casino, an open-air stage, an open-air swimming pool and a rollercoaster called Steel Stella.

It hasn't always been plain-sailing.

In 1973, for instance, a fire caused significant structural damage, particularly to the rollercoaster.

Five years later, a severe storm caused additional problems and the helter-skelter collapsed during a storm in 2013.

However, the pier has gone from strength to strength in recent years and remains a hugely popular tourist attraction.

Visitors have plenty to choose from, including a two-tier adventure golf course, soft play area, outdoor rides including the helter-skelter and rollercoaster and a ten-pin bowling alley and arcades.

After decades of improvements from its owners, the National Pier Society named Clacton Pier 'Pier of the Year' in 2020.