An iconic pier's future has been secured for another year following a generous donation.

Lowestoft's South Pier received £1,000 from the Post Office in Hollingsworth Road as part of the Making a Difference Locally scheme on Tuesday, February 19.

In 2013, Waveney District Council (WDC), decided not to renew its lease of the pier – a move which closed it to the public for around two years.

However, in 2015 businessman Danny Steel joined forces with Waveney MP Peter Aldous to fight for the landmark and bring it back to the people of the town.

The pair received backing from other businesses such as energy firm SSE, Oulton Broad Leisure and Lings Honda to establish a non-profit company to take over the pier and reopen it to the community.

Mr Steel said: 'The reason we got involved in opening the pier back up when Waveney District Council closed it down was because it is an iconic structure in Lowestoft.

'People see the pier as a major part of their lives; people have met their sweethearts on this pier, they walk their dogs here, they come running here in the morning.

'It is part of Lowestoft life so it has got to be open, that is why we felt it was worthwhile coming together and reopening the pier after it was closed for two years.'

Mr Steel thanked Neil Garriock, who runs the Post Office, and added: 'With donations like this the pier would not be open – it is as simple as that.

'It's fantastic, absolutely fantastic; it secures the pier for another year at least. It is very much a hand-to-mouth thing keeping it going.'

The 1,320ft pier first opened in 1846 and is loved my many in Lowestoft – especially those of the older generation who courted on the pier's promenade.

Mr Garriock added: 'It's something anybody can use, it's for the kids, the elderly, and the disabled – anybody.

'A lot of people still like to do a little bit of fishing. With everything closing down all over the place it is something which is free and still open to the public.

'Everybody can use it and there should be more things like it around here.'