Deal Pier has been awarded the title of Pier of the Year, after finishing runners-up in 2000 and 2001.

Staff were delighted the news and a special presentation will be made at the Royal Hotel on the seafront next month.

Members of the National Piers Society made their decision after a vote among its 500 members.

Society archivist Martin Easdown said: "Deal Pier is beautiful in its own way. It is concrete and it is post-war, but it has a traditional style with its walk to the end.

"Visitors can take in the sea air and look back and enjoy the lovely view of the seafront.

"Members also like the fact there are no slot machines or amusements."

To see some classic past and present pictures of the pier click here>>>

Mr Easdown welcomed the new cafe project and said the society was not against change.

Deal Pier attendant Chris Burrows said: "We are all very pleased about winning, especially as we came second before. We are looking forward to the presentation."

The owners of the pier, the district council, will pick up the award at the National Piers Society’s annual meeting at the Royal Hotel May 10.

For old and new pictures of Deal Pier see this week’s Now and Then on page 11 .