THE owners of Weston’s Grand Pier have been presented with prestigious honours by the Princess Royal.

Siblings Kerry and Michelle Michael were awarded their MBEs at Windsor Castle by Princess Anne.

They were given the honours for services to the restoration of the pier after its devastating fire in July 2008.

A spokesman for the Cabinet Office outlined the pair’s commitment to rebuilding the attraction and protecting the town from downturn.

The setting up of the Axentis Michael Trust, which has donated thousands of pounds to local charities, was also highlighted.

Kerry Michael said: “Our visit to Windsor Castle to collect our MBEs was an amazing experience and one that we will always treasure.

“Having our immediate family members with us to enjoy this incredible day made it even more special.

“This fantastic honour is recognition for everyone who was involved in the redesign, building and reopening of the Grand Pier in record time and we were delighted to go to Windsor Castle to collect this honour on their behalf from the Princess Royal.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone involved in the regeneration of the Grand Pier, as well as our family and friends for their incredible support.”

An MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) is awarded for outstanding service to the community that merits public recognition.

In 2008 the Grand Pier’s pavilion was destroyed by fire.

But following a �51million investment and a vow to make it the ‘best pier in the world’, its owners reopened the doors of the rebuilt seafront attraction in October 2010.