ANNE Martin - the Chief Executive Officer for The Brighton Pier Group plc - has been recognised for her services to the amusements industry.

Anne, who was appointed to the newly-created role as chief executive of the company in June 2017, received the Bacta Community Award from president Gabi Stergides at a presentation held on Brighton Palace Pier.

Anne said: “I am delighted with the award and would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Brighton Pier team members for their dedication and support over the past 13 years since I first came to Brighton.”

Gabi Stergides said: “The vast majority of Britain’s piers are financed by privately-owned companies who rely on the revenue they generate to sustain and protect jewels in the seaside crown.

“For over 120 years Brighton Palace Pier was the only totally privately-funded conservation project in the UK and the biggest revenue stream for Britain’s piers is the income derived from amusement machines.

“Under Anne’s leadership the business has enjoyed consistent growth and is a landmark which reflects the fantastic vibrancy and energy you experience when visiting Brighton and Hove.

“The 4.6m people a year who visit the pier eclipse the numbers attending the V andA, the Science Museum, the Tower of London and Stonehenge.”