A ‘delightful’ exhibition showcasing Weston-super-Mare from new heights has been launched as part of the town’s Heritage Action Zone.

Weston Mercury: Weston's Grand Pier in 2016. Picture: Damian Grady/Historic EnglandWeston's Grand Pier in 2016. Picture: Damian Grady/Historic England (Image: © Historic England)

The people behind the Great Weston Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) initiative have teamed up with the Grand Pier to host the Weston Past And Present aerial photography exhibition.

As part of its work in the HAZ, aerial pictures were taken over the course of the past few months by Historic England.

The photos will sit side-by-side with images of the seaside town which were taken decades ago.

HAZ officer Cara MacMahon said: “We wanted to feature archive and new imagery side-by-side to show how the landscape of Weston has changed in the past hundred years.

Weston Mercury: In this aerial view of Weston, taken by a Mercury photographer, Dolphin Square and other new development is seen in the centre of the picture, with the adjacent cleared area of Walliscote Grove Road through which a new access to the sea front is being created.In this aerial view of Weston, taken by a Mercury photographer, Dolphin Square and other new development is seen in the centre of the picture, with the adjacent cleared area of Walliscote Grove Road through which a new access to the sea front is being created. (Image: Archant)

“It has been a delightful project to work on with the pier and I am looking forward to seeing visitors’ reactions to some beautiful images of our town.”

The HAZ is part of the town centre regeneration programme which is delivering improvements to key sites across Weston.

It was launched last September when North Somerset Council was handed £600,000 from Historic England to create the HAZ to focus on the regeneration of some of the town’s historic buildings and for community events.

The council’s vision for the town centre is to focus on living, learning and lifestyle and hopes to create a ‘lively university town’ to improve the local economy.

Weston Mercury: Knightstone Harbour is given over to yachtsmen in preparation for the week-end's Weston Regatta.Knightstone Harbour is given over to yachtsmen in preparation for the week-end's Weston Regatta. (Image: Archant)

Weston was one of the first towns to be awarded HAZ status and is now one of 18 in the country.

So far the council has launched Weston in the Crumbs Trail application and has appointed Allies and Morrison Urban Practitioners to complete a conservation plan.

Pier co-owner and director, Michelle Michael, said: “Tiffany’s Tea Room offers some unrivalled views of Weston Bay, so it’s the perfect place for this fascinating exhibition, which allows guests to see the town from a whole different perspective.

“We hope many people will visit and see for themselves Weston has changed over the past century while being able to admire the spectacular scenery today from a perfect viewing point.”

Weston Mercury: The Bank Holiday Scene near the Grand Pier.The Bank Holiday Scene near the Grand Pier. (Image: Archant)

The exhibition will be at the pier’s Tiffany’s Restaurant, in Marine Parade, from Saturday until January 10 from 10am-3pm each day.

Weston Mercury: Weston-super-Mare Scouts, Cubs, Venture Scouts and Guides marching past the Town Hall during the annual St. George's Day parade.Weston-super-Mare Scouts, Cubs, Venture Scouts and Guides marching past the Town Hall during the annual St. George's Day parade. (Image: Archant)