HUNDREDS of revellers thronged the North-East's last remaining Victorian pleasure pier, which was officially re-opened after a £1.3m facelift.

Former culture secretary Chris Smith cut the ribbon to open the refurbished Saltburn pier, as a brass band played to celebrate the end of extensive renovation work.

It was Mr Smith's decision, when in office, to upgrade the listed status of the pier, which meant it was eligible for a substantial National Lottery grant.

The money from the Lottery formed the majority of the funding needed to make the massive renovation scheme possible.

The rest of the funding came from local authority funds and The Friends of Saltburn Pier, who held fund-raising events to help to pay for the repairs.

Without the million-pound work it was feared that the pier, which is the most northerly east coast pier in the UK, would collapse into the sea.

There were once six piers along the Yorkshire coast, but those at Coatham, Redcar, Scarborough, Hornsea and Withernsea have all succumbed to the elements.

Seaside holidays became fashionable at the beginning of Queen Victoria's reign, but before the railways many resorts were inaccessible, so piers were built as long landing stages for paddle steamers.

Henry Pease's Improvement Company began work on the 1,500ft-long pier in 1868, and it opened the following year.

The pier has survived numerous batterings by the elements.

Rough seas damaged it in 1875, but it was rebuilt and a bandstand and shelter were added.

The pier stood safe until 1924, when a German ship was blown off course and drove through the middle of the structure, causing severe damage.

It was again repaired and the public were allowed back in 1932.

When war broke out, the pier escaped damage by the Germans, but a section was removed by the Government, who feared it could be used by advancing troops.

In peacetime, the pier was repaired, but little other maintenance was done.

A storm in 1974 swept away the pier head and the bandstand and, after a public inquiry, it was decided to shorten the pier to make it safer.

During the latest renovation, high winds and rough seas caused some damage.

It is hoped the new-look structure will remain for at least another 100 years