WESTON-SUPER-MARE’S historic Birnbeck Pier has partially collapsed this morning (Wednesday) after strong winds caused by Storm Frank.

Weston Mercury: Photo by Timmay Curtis.Photo by Timmay Curtis. (Image: Archant)

Photographers Timmay Curtis and Eddie Hancock captured the grade II* listed pier’s north jetty as the storm’s gales and heavy rain caused it to fall into the sea.

The collapse has been hailed as devastating by the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust, which is campaigning to restore the pier to its former glory.

Its spokesman Shane Burney said: “The north jetty was in a sad state anyway but it was gutting to see the collapse.

“It is devastating to lose part of the structure and we need more and more people to join us at the trust and move things forward.”

* For the full story, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Mercury.