STRIKING images of the West Pier as it has never been seen before were captured using a drone.

Photographer Sam Moore hovered the remote-controlled gadget over the ruins and encircled it to produce a video and stills to celebrate the iconic structure.

The Uckfield freelance photographer, who has 15 years experience, branched out into drone photography about a year ago after becoming fully accredited with a Civil Aviation Authority licence.

After getting permission from the West Pier Trust, he spent two very early mornings this summer to producing the images.

The 38-year-old said: "The West Pier is one of the most photographed structures in the South of England, and with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drone technology being so good now, I thought this would be a great opportunity to show it in a different perspective.

"The pier has quite a history of ups and downs, but there is also a strong connection with people who have a history with it. I wanted to create a short film more as a tribute to show that, despite its ruined appearance, it is still a thing of beauty.

"I think the footage shows that it is not just metal rotting away in the sea, it is an iconic symbol of Brighton that people still have a connection too."

While he thinks the pier is beyond restoration, Mr Moore would love to see another built. He hopes parts of the original structure could be salvaged, before the weather and sea consume them, to feature in the new pier.

Rachel Clark, chief executive of the West Pier Trust, said: "Sam Moore has created a stunning video of the pier. It’s beautiful and haunting but also informative showing angles on the structure which we’ve never seen before. But you need to be prepared, it’s an emotional watch."