A project that was set up in the hopes of raising £100,000 needed to restore the crumbling historic pier at Limekilns has surpassed the £50,000 mark. 

Members of the public can pay to get their name or message engraved on a paving stone that will be laid next to the structure on Beacon Way - and help save a piece of the village's history at the same time.

They've already had celebrity backing, appropriately enough from a rock band, with Nazareth's Pete Agnew stepping up to donate to the cause and get a stone for the band.

Russell Kelly, chairperson of the Limekilns Heritage Trust, told the Press: "The cost of repairing the south-west corner of the pier is estimated in the region of £100,000. 

"This will then enable the pier to be used again. The landscaping and other works are yet to be estimated but we think grants might be available."

The pathway initiative was launched in May 2022 and inscriptions can include a donor's name, a family member or friend, beloved pets, memories of events, local societies and commercial organisations.

Russell added: "It has raised over £50,000 but we have bought more blank stones, leaving our bank balance siting at over £40,000. Our available stock of stones could raise a further £70,000.

"We hope to do further work soon to recover more of the fallen wall stones, this is enabling works for the final rebuild.

"If we can raise enough funds we hope to be in a position to rebuild the south-west corner next year. This would make the whole pier usable."

To ensure proper conservation, the group have been working with David Narro Associates Conservation Engineers. 

The next steps are to secure a long-term lease and continue fundraising for the pier. 

To donate to the cause, or pay to have your inscription of choice on a paving stone, visit the Limekilns Pier website.