AN unusual piece of Victorian engineering has broken down.

Saltburn's Cliff Lift is closed for repairs to the electric motor that drives its water pumps, but it is hoped the work will be completed by tomorrow or Friday.

Workers from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council are working 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.