THE opening weekend for the Redcar Beacon has proved to be a success.

The controversial 80ft structure has dominated the topic of debate in the town for months, but now that people have access to the £1.6m building it is proving to be more popular than some people had thought.

The beacon’s launch is part of a £75m regeneration programme which aims to breathe new life into the town, incorporating retail space and a new cafe.

At this weekend’s Easter festivities, people have been able to climb its 132 steps - or grab a lift ride to the top to get a 360 degree view of Teesside’s industrial heritage in the west to the towering Huntcliff in the east.