New sight towers over Bexhill skyline

The foundations of the 40m education project are almost complete, and the crane marks the beginning of work on the superstructure (the part of the building above ground level).

Trevor Martin, project manager for Kier Regional , which is the principal contractor responsible for the design and build of the school, said: "It's one of the first secondary schools of its type to be built in the country and is going very well.

"Part of the superstructure is a reinforced concrete frame and we've begun construction of the ground to first floor reinforced concrete columns.

"The weather is with us and over the weeks and months you'll see the building progess upwards to roof level, which is 22 metres high, then we'll start cladding it out.

"It's a 91-week programme, and we are currently on track in week 14."

The crane could have more than one use: Bexhill fire crews, which are expert in rope rescue, are in talks with Kier about arranging rescue drills on the structure.