In pictures: Hastings East Hill Lift reopens

The attraction, which is the steepest funicular railway in Britain, was shut for most of the year while repairs were carried out the track and carriage chassis.

The two lift chassis returned recently from overhaul at an engineering works in Rotherham and the wooden carriages returned early last month on September 5.

Project manager Kevin Boorman, who sent the Observer these pictures, said: “The East Hill Lift reopened on Monday (October 23) after extensive refurbishment work; it closed last October. The closure was longer than expected because a lot more work was found to be needed than originally expected, but it’s so good to see it open again.”

The lift took its first passenger trip for 363 days on Monday at 11am, he added.

The East Hill Lift provides access to Hastings Country Park which overlooks the Old Town and Rock-a-Nore. It was in the country park that Hastings resident John Logie Baird, the inventor of television, got the inspiration which led to his first TV experiments.

The lift also provides views over the Stade, home to the largest beach launched fishing fleet in Europe. The cliff railway was opened in August 1902 by Hastings Borough Council. It was originally operated on the water balance principle, and the twin towers of the upper station contained water tanks for this purpose. The line was modernised between 1973 and 1976, during which time it was converted to electric operation and new cars were provided.