A major Clacton landmark is in for a facelift.

The Jolly Roger, a former theatre, has stood on Clacton Pier since 1893. It has been in a poor state of repair for many years and has become an eyesore.

The owners have started a scheme which will at least make it look better - even though they cannot restore it to its former glory at this stage.

Mark Baird, pier manager, said a team was working on cladding the structure as the first attempt to do something with the building.

"The aim is to make it look more attractive and make it safe," he said. "It is in a state that needs urgent attention and we are giving it that in an attempt to preserve it."

Mr Baird said the work was expected to last most of the summer.

He added: "We are well aware it is an eyesore and we want to do something with it. We are talking to Tendring Council about a future use but it will take a great deal of money for whatever project we come up with."

The Jolly Roger was a popular theatre in the 1930s and 1940s. In 1992 the estimated cost of restoring the Jolly Roger was put at £250,000.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.