SEA defence works are proving to be a tourist attraction as construction moves closer to Clacton Pier.

The beaches to the east of the pier are being spectacularly recharged with thousands of tonnes of sand as part of the second phase of the £36million project, which will see 15 fishtail groynes being built to protect 3,000 homes and businesses for the next 100 years.

The Sospan Dau vessel is back on site to “rainbow” sand into the beaches from the pier to Hazlemere Road.

The aim will be to create the work platforms for the next set of fishtail groynes.

Rocks will then be delivered from Norway for the groynes, before a final beach recharge.

It is expected that the work will be finished before the end of the year.

Tendring Council environment boss Nick Turner said the work was a “sight to behold”, with the first phase at Holland-on- Sea drawing thousands of visitors and residents to the seafront to watch and take photos.