The National Piers Society today announced that its members had chosen BLACKPOOL NORTH as PIER OF THE YEAR 2004. WORTHING in West Sussex came second, beating SWANAGE into third place by one vote. Twelve other piers were nominated in the annual poll of the Society's 600 members. The award will be presented during the Society's Annual General Meeting at the Clifton Hotel, Blackpool on 12 June.

Opened in 1863, Blackpool North is the oldest of the resort's three piers, and predates the Blackpool Tower. It was designed by master builder Eugenius Birch, who was also responsible for the West pier at Brighton (1866). In the 1870s an Indian Pavilion and Bandstand were added and numerous boats docked at its jetty. Like many piers it was damaged by ship collision (1892,1897) and fire (1921, 1938), and its landing stage was lost in a storm in 1987. Nevertheless its ornate Victorian design survives, the current owners Leisure Parcs being keen to emphasize its heritage status as a Grade II listed building. Besides the traditional bars and arcades the pier boasts a tramway taking patrons down to its fully refurbished theatre, Venetian carousel ride and Sun Lounge with live entertainment. New for 2004 is an exhibition marking the centenary of the birth of toothy Lancashire comedian George Formby.

Gavin Henderson, President of the National Piers Society, said: "Three cheers for three Blackpool piers, and especially the most senior, Blackpool North, one of Eugenius Birch's masterpieces, which fully deserves this accolade."

Michael Williams, General Manager for Blackpool's piers, said: "Leisure Parcs are delighted with this award. We see this as recognition of our ongoing investment not only on North pier but in Blackpool itself."

The National Piers Society was founded in 1979 under Sir John Betjeman to promote and sustain interest in the preservation and continued enjoyment of seaside piers. The PIER OF THE YEAR award was instituted after the success of Year Of The Pier in 1996 and has to date been won by Eastbourne (1997), Brighton Palace (1998), Clevedon (1999), Cromer (2000), Weston-super-Mare Grand (2001), Southwold (2002) and Southport (2003).

Press Enquiries: Michelle Birtwell (Leisure Parcs) tel. 01253 629600 or Anthony Wills (National Piers Society) tel. 020 7586 5154