Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has confirmed that the Essex resort's landmark pier has reopened to the public, following the completion of "essential" repair work to the structure.

The attraction had to close earlier this month after pilings and a stretch of walkways suffered damage when a contractor's barge was forced under the structure in windy conditions.

Derek Jarvis, the council's executive councillor for culture and tourism, said: "While there will be some restrictions to the walkway access, the pier train will be operating as normal."

Full repairs to Southend Pier will be undertaken in a second phase of works, which will take up to six months to complete and is expected to commence later this autumn.