The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare, ravaged by a huge blaze earlier this week, has reopened to the public.

The pavilion at the 104-year old attraction, which was completely destroyed in Monday's fire, remains out-of-bounds as investigators look to establish the cause.

A spokesperson for the pier said today: "The owners feel it is important to open the landward end of the pier for business as a mark of their determination to rebuild the pavilion to be bigger and better than ever.

"If they could go back and have the pavillion as it was, they would do so in a heartbeat, but that is not possible, so they are looking to the future."

A police cordon has been established around the damaged end of the pier while work gets underway to ensure the safety of both the fire investigators and the public.

Independent leisure insurance brokers, Marsh and Company, attended the scene on Monday along with the loss adjusters acting for the insurers. Investigators have already reportedly ruled out the possibility of arson, although a statement earlier today from Avon Fire and Rescue said that the investigation is ongoing and an open mind will be kept to all possibilities.

In a statement on Monday, pier owner Kerry Michael said: "For this tragic event to have taken place during our watch is truly devastating.

"I would like to assure people that we will work tirelessly to restore this magnificent structure to its former glory."