A UNIQUE piece of Victorian engineering has been closed for repairs this week.

Saltburn's Cliff Lift broke down last weekend and has been closed while repairs were carried out to the electric motor that drives its water pumps.

It was hoped that the work would be completed by today.

Workers from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council have worked against the clock to open the lift so visitors can by ferried to Middlesbrough and District Motor Club's annual Vintage Sprint Hill Climb on Sunday.

Saltburn's lift was built in 1884 and is the oldest water-balanced elevator in the British Isles. It is powered by two huge water tanks, the main one holding 30,000 gallons and the second one containing 18,500 gallons.