In pictures: Pier views

1 of 8 During World War II machine gun placements were put on Eastbourne pier, which was officially opened in 1870

2 of 8 Blackpool has three piers adding to the wide attractions at the popular north-western resort town

3 of 8 A fire devastated Brighton West Pier, which is Grade I listed, leaving its future in doubt

4 of 8 Southport Pier is undergoing a complete restoration funded by a Heritage Lottery grant and European money

5 of 8 A castellated tollhouse guards the entrance to Clevedon pier which was saved from demolition in 1979 and is Grade I listed

6 of 8 Burnham-on-Sea is the shortest in Britain and it remains a mystery why it was never finished

7 of 8 Saltburn pier, which was opened in 1869, is the most northerly in Britain and the only remaining pier in Yorkshire

8 of 8 Each year contestants hurl themselves off the end of Bognor Pier to try to win the annual "Birdman" competition