THE family of a former owner of Clacton Pier have given their seal of approval to the massive £4million facelift taking place at the landmark.

Michael Goss and wife Sandra ran the Pier from 1971 until they sold it to a consortium in 1981.

The couple, son Michael and daughter Kate, then moved to America where they have lived ever since.

Michael Snr was unable to make the trip back from Texas because he has Alzheimer’s and lives in a nursing home.

But Sandra, Michael Jnr, his wife, Jennifer and daughters Raegan and Micah visited at the weekend as part of a week’s holiday in the UK.

It brought the memories flooding back for Sandra and her son, who was just 11 when they moved to the USA.

“It is a real shame that dad could not come with us as he would have loved to have seen the pier again one more time,” said Michael Jnr.

“I will be able to go back and tell him about all the work going on and the new development.”

Michael Jnr works in the family entertainment centre business in America.

“Coming back reminds me of very happy days when I used to cycle around the pier on my bike and carry out various little tasks,” he added.

“I also recall that my pocket money was collecting up any coins that had fallen through the boarding.”

Sandra remembers when they lived in the top rooms at the pier, which are now mainly offices.

She said: “It is lovely to come back and see a place which was our whole life for ten years and the progress that is currently taking place. It is very exciting.”

She recalls top stars such as Morecambe and Wise, Julie Andrews and comedian Dick Emery appearing at the Ocean Theatre, which is now the amusement arcade.

Pier director Billy Ball said he was delighted to show the family around and meet them for the first time.

“They are a big part of the pier’s history and it was fascinating to share stories with such nice people,” he said.