THE controversial vertical pier on a North-East seafront is taking shape.

Standing at 80ft tall, the structure will be the centrepiece of a £30m regeneration project in Redcar that is been developed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

As well as the pier, the three-year project is creating sea defences with an elevated promenade and a Myplace youth centre.

The flood defence scheme involves protecting a 2.7km stretch of coastline from Coatham boating lake, along the Esplanade to the eastern end of The Stray.

Council leaders are hopeful that the investment will lead to the town becoming a tourist attraction.

Council leader George Dunning said: "Construction of the vertical pier is progressing well and it is on course to becompleted in December of this year. The sea wall and improved drainage work in the area has already been completed.

"Once finished, it will be part of a regeneration programme that brings a major boost to the area, with the aim of attracting an extra million visitors a year by 2025."

The council is running a competition to name the pier and entries can be made at redcar-cleveland.gov. uk/regeneration