The volunteer-led Queen’s Pier restoration project took a major step forward today as the first of the replacement steelwork was lifted into place.

Project manager Stuart McKenzie said it was a ’momentous day’.

He said: ’We are swapping the old iron out for the new steel in bay one.

’We’ve put in two girders so far and we are hoping to put the other three in over this Bank Holiday weekend.

’We were a bit worried that the sea end of these girders wouldn’t lift out but in fact they have after giving them suitable lift pressure with the crane.

’Certainly on girder one I was pretty close to saying "no, we are going to have to stop and cut it out" but it just came free then. It’s been there since 1886 so it was well rusted in!

’I’m absolutely thrilled and all these volunteers giving up their time is really appreciated.’