LIFE has its ups and downs in equal measure for grandfather Alan Ismay.

The 62-year-old former customs officer is the new man at the helm of Saltburn's famous cliff lift.

Each year, the lift carries more than 100,000 tourists up and down the 120ft drop between the promenade and the resort's famous pier.

Mr Ismay, who worked for HM Customs and Excise for 35 years, the last ten at Teesport, is no stranger to the lift, which is fast-approaching its 121st birthday.

He took a seasonal post on Britain's oldest surviving water balance cliff lift in 1997.

He takes over from predecessor Ken Fellows, who is retiring after 20 years of the up-and-down life, but will continue to help out.

Mr Ismay said: "It's not far removed from my job in Customs, getting the travelling public through, being pleasant and making the journey a nice experience."

Mr Fellows said: "I've enjoyed all my time. It's been an extremely pleasant job, nice surroundings and meeting no end of people. They've come from all over the world, America, Australia - I sometimes wonder how they find us."

Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism said: "I wish Alan well in running this important historic attraction. I am sure it will be an interesting and fulfilling job.

"I would also like to wish Ken a happy retirement and thank him for his years of dedication."

The lift will be closed for staff training from next today until Friday, then from Monday to Friday, April 18 to 22.