Using a little bit of friendly blackmail on his bank manager brother-in-law Richard, Ron Archer and son Trevor set out to purchase the long derelict Midbourne Pier.
After securing its purchase from the local council, Ron, Trevor and Richard go to check the conidition of the pier. Well, the bit they can reach anyway, what with the middle having been blown up during the Second World War...
Ron decides that the pier's superstructure needs checking - of course, it's got to be done at night to avoid attention.
Ron's search for 500 deckchairs at a resonable price is interrupted by developments in 17-year old Trevor's love-life: he's got his first girlfriend, Avril.
With the list of repairs growing daily, Ron establishes FOMPA - Friends of Midbourne Pier Association - in order to garner local support and volunteers.
The first FOMPA meeting is held, in order to arrange the amusements and attractions which the pier should have.
With the help of the local Boy Scouts, Ron, Trevor, Richard and Miss Baxter venture across to the other end of the pier for the first time.