Redcar Beacon: Vertical pier 'a hit with the public'

A landmark attraction in a Teesside seaside town has proved a "real hit with the public", the council has said.

Redcar Beacon has attracted almost 200,000 visitors in its first year.

The £1.6m "vertical pier" stands 80ft (24m) above Redcar seafront, with a viewing platform with 360 degree views and businesses, including a café, on the ground floor.

Schoolchildren will be joining local dignitaries at an event to celebrate its first anniversary on Friday.

Councillor George Dunning, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council said: "The overall feedback has been really positive.

"I am delighted to see visitors coming from as far afield as Australia and Abergavenny."

The beacon is part of a £75m redevelopment of the town's seafront, with a new leisure and community centre due to open in April.