THREE pensioners and two dogs were rescued in a dramatic operation at Saltburn Cliff Lift after it broke down this morning, Thursday.

A woman in her 80s and two people in their 70s were rescued by firefighters who climbed down the side of the cliff on lines and attached harnesses to the stranded trio before one was hoisted and two were lowered to safety.

Two dogs, thought to be a poodle a Labrador, were also winched to safe ground.

Station manager Jack Parnell said: "No-one was in any danger.

"It was a well-organised rescue. Our crew showed their true professionalism once again."

Cleveland Fire Brigade confirmed it was called to the Victorian lift at the seaside town just after 11.20am. The rescue took about an hour and 20 minutes.

One appliance from Saltburn and a line recovery team from Coulby Newham attended and rescued those stuck, one by one.