A BID is being made for funding to aid restoration of a landmark structure on the North-East coastline.

The £1.35m plan to restore Roker Pier to its former glory was announced by Sunderland City Council, in February.

Backing is now sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to make inroads into the bill and to speed up the timetable for refurbishment of the 110-year-old Grade II-listed structure.

The council is bidding for £500,000 in HLF funding to help it deliver, “a comprehensive restoration scheme.”

Work starts on the pier’s lantern house in early August.

Future elements of the programme include deck replacement and, if the HLF bid proves successful, restoration of the pier lighthouse and tunnel to allow for public visits.

Senior councillor Mel Speding said: “Roker Pier is a much loved landmark which has protected the entrance to Sunderland Harbour for over a hundred years.

“But, there’s no doubt that a century of winter storms and buffeting waves have taken their toll on the pier, placing it at risk.

“We would love to see it restored so it can be enjoyed by future generations.

“We’ve already set aside £1.35m to carry out the work.

“But, additional funding, from the Heritage Lottery Fund, would really help us to open up access to the pier and make more of its educational potential.”

Built between 1885 and 1903, the 2,000ft (609.6m) pier was hailed a “triumph of engineering” when it opened.

The original gas-powered lantern emitted a 45,000 candlepower reflected beam, reputedly visible from more than 15 miles out into the North Sea.

It was the brainchild of Henry Hay Wake, chief engineer of the River Wear Commissioners, and built using 45-ton granite faced blocks, constructed in an onshore area still known as the blockyard.