Euro MP Geoffrey Van Orden, member of the European Parliament for the Eastern Region, and David Amess, Southend West MP, visited Southend Pier this morning to see first hand the damage caused by the fire which destroyed much of the pier on Sunday evening.

Along with Louise Burdett, research assistant for James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, they met Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Leader, Councillor Anna Waite and pledged to help the council restore the pier.

"The pier is extremely dear to the hearts of people in Southend and I am determined to put it back in action as soon as possible," said Waite.

"Although this could be viewed as a major blow to Southend, I see it as an opportunity to give the town a pier it deserves. Work is already well underway to ensure that the pier remains very much an icon for the town."

Council officials have said they expect to know the cost of the damage within the next week.

The fire broke out at the Old Pier Head, which incorporated the seaward railway station, pub and restaurants. The station, pub, arcade, toilets and at least one of two restaurants have been destroyed.

Picture (l-r) Louise Burdett, David Amess, Geoffrey Van Orden and Anna Waite