New celebration plaques are being offered on Clacton Pier with the proceeds helping to fund the maintenance of the iconic structure.
The plaques – which include a name and message – are being placed on the base of the handrail along the neck of the attraction.
They will contain an agreed inscription and remain in place for an initial ten years with the chance to renew at the end of the period.
Pier general manager Harry Peek, said a number of plaques are already in place, with more on offer from Wednesday, and they have drawn significant attention.
“Over the years we have had so many requests from families and individuals who wanted to have something lasting put up on our landmark site which is coming up for 155 years old,” he explained.
“First of all we came up with celebration benches and now we have decided to add celebration plaques which will be available to a much wider audience.”
Mr Peek said it is the first time in the pier’s history that the plaques have been offered and there is a limited opening donation of £80, which will then rise to £100 once the initial allocation has been taken.
Two thirds of the spaces for benches have already been snapped up.
“As well as celebrating a milestone birthday, retirement or achievement, or remembering a loved one, the donor will also know they are helping with the upkeep of part of the town’s history and a favourite venue,” added Mr Peek.
“The annual bill for the pier’s maintenance is well over £1million and every single penny counts.”
More information about the plaques, and how to donate, can be found on the pier’s website www.clactonpier.co.uk from March 25.
This weekend sees the beginning of the attraction’s Easter Extravaganza which runs through until April 12. It will include a giant Easter Bunny in Discovery Bay and the chance to win a free annual rides pass worth £60 by finding a hidden golden egg on each of the 16 days.
The Easter weekend includes the first free fireworks display of nine taking place this year with the pyrotechnics going off around 9pm, depending on daylight, on Sunday April 5.
