Money raised to help fund fire-damaged pier repairs

From left: Paul Morrison, Warkworth Harbour Commissioner; Les Weller, Amble Sea Angling Club; and Simon Baxter, Harbour Master, with the cheque for Â£300, raised after the fire on Amble pier.

On New Year’s Day, part of Amble Pier, at Warkworth Harbour, was alight after anglers left a barbecue burning.

The fire caused around £2,000 of damage, burning through a section of the wooden boardwalk, leaving a large hole.

The structure, owned by Warkworth Harbour Commissioners, was closed for several days for repairs, before reopening.

Shocked by the incident, members of Amble Sea Angling Club set up a crowdfunding site to raise money to help pay for the damage. Since then, fishermen from all over the country have donated to the cause. Donations have also been made at Amble Sea Angling Centre.

Recently, Les Weller, from the club, handed over a cheque of £300 to Simon Baxter and Paul Morrison of Warkworth Harbour Commissioners.

Les said: “This is a token towards the repair of Amble pier, on behalf of responsible sea anglers.”

Harbour Master Simon Baxter said: “We’re very grateful for this generous gesture.”

Pictured from left are Paul, Les and Simon with the cheque.