WORK to repair storm damaged Swanage Pier is to start on Tuesday, it has been announced.

Swanage Pier Trust says the vital repair work has been made possible because of the “incredible efforts” of the local community, the “amazing generosity” of the public and a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £39,900.

Parts of the historic Victorian structure were shut down for safety reasons in March, after a section almost collapsed when a structural pile was swept out to sea in gale force winds.

Volunteers were able to brace the affected walkway, but the midsection and pier head were closed.

The pier trust immediately launched an appeal to bankroll repairs to the Grade II-listed structure, which was voted Pier of The Year in 2012.

On the latest developments, the pier's general manager Ben Adeney said: “Swanage Pier is an important part of our heritage and the local community, which has been demonstrated by the incredible level of support.

“We are planning to get the work completed as soon as possible before the winter sets in.”

It is hoped the final stage of the repair will start at the beginning of October, and the pier will open throughout this period. However, access to the pier head may be limited.

Swanage Pier Trust chairman Derek Tarrant said: “The pier has received an unprecedented level of support since the appeal began in March and we have been overwhelmed by public generosity.”

The project will also include activities to encourage visitors and residents to learn more about the pier's heritage. A display, documenting the history and the progress of repair work, will visit several local venues in the coming months.

Heritage Lottery Fund south west head Nerys Watts said: “Throughout its history, Swanage Pier has been of great significance to the town and its community, first as an important commercial asset and more recently as essential part of the leisure activities available in the area.”