PINT-SIZED engineers rolled up their sleeves to create a replica of Clacton Pier – made Blue Peter-style out of cardboard boxes and other junk.

A team of 20 youngsters had just two hours to build the model using a range of materials at Clacton Library.

They used boxes for the deck and cardboard tubes for the pier legs.

There was even a flying visit from pier mascot Sidney the Seagull.

Manager Michele Price said she was delighted with the turn-out.

“The whole idea was to get children actively working together to create a model of a building which is important to the town’s history and which means something to them,” she said.

“The Clacton Historical Society also put on a display of photos and information about the pier and parents and grandparents joined in with the model-making. It was a real team effort and everyone had a great time.”

Pier spokesman Nigel Brown added: “The basic structure came together very quickly, then the children and their helpers created the rides and made the whole thing come to life.”