WORK to refurbish an historic pier has been delayed.

The £1.35m restoration of Roker Pier in Sunderland was originally scheduled to begin this month, but has now been delayed until mid-June.

The Victorian pier will remain open to the public until then, with work taking place over the summer when weather conditions should be more favourable.

Sunderland City Council says it is still expected that the work to be completed by the winter as previously planned.

Plans to refurbish the railings on the Grade II-listed structure are also in place to go-ahead once funding becomes available, as part of the third phase of refurbishment planned for 2015.

Last autumn, a huge chunk of the concrete surface was torn up by crashing seas and, in December, waves of up to 30ft forced the pier's closure for several days.

Council Cabinet member, Coun Mel Speding said: "I'm sure them many people and groups who regularly use Roker Pier will be pleased it will remain open longer than expected.

"Unfortunately we can't avoid disruption if we are to return the Pier to something like its former glory, but hopefully we can minimise it as much as possible."