CLEVEDON Pier has been rewarded the coveted title of Pier of the Year for 2013.

The annual accolade is given out by the National Piers Society following a poll of the organisation’s 750 members.

This year Clevedon was crowned the winner followed by Cromer in second place and Llandudno in third.

The scheme was started by the society in 1997 and sees members given the chance to vote for any pier that is open, apart from those which have won in the previous five years.

Among the comments made about Clevedon Pier by voters, quotes included ‘elegant in its simplicity’ and ‘a real gem that raises one’s spirits’.

It is hoped the award will give a real boost to the Clevedon Pier and Heritage Trust’s efforts to raise the money needed to create new visitor facilities at the attraction complete with toilets and dedicated education and refreshment areas.

The scheme, which is expected to cost more than £2million, will also include refurbishing the tollhouse and sea-end pagoda and making changes at the nearby heritage centre. Extra staff will also be employed to raise awareness of the pier and deliver an education programme.

The trust has already secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund totalling £1.22million and is now making a push to raise the final amount.

After hearing of the award, Clevedon’s pier mistress Linda Strong said: “This is very exciting news and will give added impetus to our fundraising appeal for the new centre.”