THE Save Swanage Pier Appeal has been officially launched, in a bid to raise £900,000 to help bankroll the regeneration of the historic Grade II-listed structure.

Civic dignitaries, representatives of Swanage Pier Trust and volunteers attended the launch on Friday.

According to the latest survey Swanage Pier is at risk of collapse with 41 of its timber piles in a 'critical condition'.

Launching the fundraising drive, Deputy Swanage Mayor Mike Bonfield said: "The pier is an important attraction for Swanage which welcomes over 125,000 each year.

"I am very pleased to launch the appeal and very much hope that the local community and local businesses will give it their support.

"The pier plays an important part in the town and is a well-loved amenity."

Swanage Pier has already been allocated provisional funds of more than £800,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

However, in order to secure the National Lottery cash Swanage Pier Trust needs to raise an additional £900,000 by August next year.

Swanage Pier suffered serious storm damage in March 2013, when a structural pile was swept out to sea in high tides and gale force winds.

That damage, which almost caused the pier's walkway to collapse, left the structure partially closed for months.

When Swanage Pier Trust took over management in 1984, the pier had been left to deteriorate for over 30 years, so they inherited a structure requiring significant maintenance and restoration.

The trust has undertaken repairs over the years, however, a survey has revealed that 41 of the pier's timber piles are in a critical condition, putting the structure at risk of collapse."

Swanage Pier Trust chairman Dave Laut said: " The local community and businesses have always been incredibly supportive, but now we face the biggest challenge and we need everybody's help.

"We only have until August to raise the funds we need. If we cannot raise the match-funding the lottery offer will be withdrawn.

"This really is a one-off opportunity for Swanage Pier. We are hoping that the community and local businesses will get behind this campaign and help us raise the funds we need."

The appeal launch also included the presentation of the winning 10,000th plaque raffle ticket.

This raffle has taken place all summer, with the winner getting the opportunity to select their dedication for the milestone brass plaque which will remain in place on the walkway of the Victorian pier for the rest of its lifetime.