Work continues apace on the restoration of Ramsey Pier.

But the volunteer’s trust behind the project are still some way off towards their first fund-raising target of £60,000 which will allow them to order the steel.

Scaffolding has been erected immediately below the landmark’s steel lattice.

Volunteers have been working hard to remove the decking on the first bay, exposing the main wooden beams that sit transversely on the iron girders.

Each of the dozen or so beams on each side of the bay have also been removed - but it’s been a tough job, given that each weigh about 200lbs.

They were attached to the girders with 12 inch bolts, which had rusted into the wood and were virtually impossible to remove. The solution was to burn off the nuts, and then the team of volunteers were able carefully rock the beam off its associated girder.

Volunteers have also been busy working on the water main which runs the length of the pier.

Trust chairman Tom Durrant said: ’There is no movement on steel purchase yet despite all the donations, mostly from the people of Ramsey, giving what they can afford.

’We are having to spend money on timber refurbishment and pier plumbing and balustrade work, etc. The budget currently stands at £30,000.’

A quiz night held in a packet St Paul’s church hall, Ramsey, at the end of last month raised the amazing sum of £1,783 towards the support the pier’s restoration.

The next fundraiser will be a "General Mhelliah".

This be held at the Royal George on Ramsey’s Market Square on Friday, October 27 at 7pm. Come early if you want a seat. Donation of items for the mhelliah will be gratefully received.