A community-led restoration of Ramsey Pier has reached another milestone.

Volunteers with the Queen’s Pier Restoration Trust have reached the funding target needed to order the replacement steel for bay 1 .

And more than £10,000 has been raised from the plank sponsorship scheme, with 100 orders placed so far.

Project manager Stuart McKenzie explained that the trust has now placed the order for the replacement steel with Gallas Foundry in Douglas.

The steelwork is expected to take two months to fabricate but as the trusses have to be galvanised the sub units have to be sent off to the UK as there are no galvanising facilities available in the island.

Mr McKenzie said the Steam Packet and Manx Independent Carriers have generously rallied round in support and are sponsoring the freight for this first order.

Tenders are also currently invited for the new Ekki hardwood planks from a number of suppliers.

The £10,000 raised so far from the sponsor a plank scheme is two thirds of the amount needed for phase 1 of the project. Supporters can buy on-line at qprt.im and give details of the engraving they wish for the associated plaque.