The lighthouse needs a new lantern

Engineering and restoration work costing �150,000 is needed to repair the lighthouse on Sunderland's Roker Pier.

The lighthouse and pier celebrate their centenary this year and a special day of events is being held on Marine Walk on Bank Holiday Monday.

But Port of Sunderland engineers say that the landmark lighthouse at the end of the pier is badly in need of repairs.

Included in the list of repairs is a replacement for its now-obsolete lantern which is nearly 30 years old.

The pier is celebrating its 100th birthday with a Bank Holiday extravaganza.

Samba fun

From 1000 until 1700 BST on Monday there will be fairground attractions from Roker Park along to the historic pier.

There will be music in the park from Gateshead Brass Band at 1130 BST and Hetton Silver Band at 1400 BST.

The Headway Theatre Company will be giving children the chance to make Victorian hats and there is a Punch and Judy show at 1100 BST on Roker Beach.

The Sun Samba Band and Saltburn Victorian Society will also take part along with street theatre and historic vehicle displays.