Clevedon Pier has secured a grant for £20,000 to light up its pagoda and buy equipment for its anniversary weekend.

The Magnox Socio-Economic Scheme presented the Clevedon Pier and Heritage Trust, which runs the pier, with the cash after it applied three months ago.

The money will help light up the pagoda, based at the end of the pier, in the evenings and subtly illuminate the Toll House which will present the pier in a different light.

Trust chairman, Phil Curme, hopes the updates will bring a ‘wow factor’ to the seafront after dark.

He added: “We are very keen to attract even more performers, dancers and musicians to the pier and the modular dance floor and staging which this grant has enabled us to buy will help this vision come to fruition.

“Furthermore we are determined to build on our successful programme of summer events.

“Having an unobtrusive overhead cover which we can use when rain is forecast means we are not so reliant on cloudless skies.”

The staging, dance floor and awning will be used from May onwards.

Business manager Nicole Laken said: “We are exceptionally grateful to Magnox for supporting us with the next stage of our development of the pier, this is particularly exciting given we are celebrating our 150th year and have lots of events planned for the coming season.

“The funding will allow us to purchase much needed equipment including staging, removable flooring and a unique portable sail to provide cover for outdoor events.

“This will also enable us to support the local community by providing an outdoor classroom style space in a unique location.

“In addition, we are particularly excited to finally shine some light on our much loved pagoda and tollhouse, allowing visitors appreciate the beautiful structure at night.”

Magnox Socio-Economic’s manager, Nigel Monckton, said: “The schemeis really pleased to be able to assist this project and help to support the community and economy by maximising the use of this iconic structure.

“The project aligns well with one of our aims to help build sustainable communities and we look forward to its continued success.”