Firefighters scaled a historic lift today to save a group of people who were trapped inside when it became stuck.

Three fire engines parked on The Leas in Folkestone, and began an abseil down the Leas Lift at about 10.20am.

The incident was completely staged by acting casualties, in a bid to give the firefighters a chance to practice a rescue in such circumstances.

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It was called Operation Cliffhanger and required stabilisation of the lift car and the rescue of the passengers,

Terry Begent, the director of the Leas Lift, said a real life event of this sort has not happened in 130 years.

He said: "Today is a practice exercise in case we ever get trapped on the track.

"It is one of those things we have to do, we always try and ensure our safety is up to the modern standards.

"We have a rescue exercise on a regular basis.

"It has worked out to both of our advantages because we need to reassure our passengers that safety is paramount.

"But from the fire brigade's point of view it gives them a chance to try an interesting and challenging exercise from a place that is not easy to get to."

The tourist attraction a funicular railway dating back to 1885 which carries passengers up and down the cliff face between the promenade and the seafront by using water and gravity to power the lift cars.

Firefighters from Folkestone and Dover braved the torrential rain, as well as the specialist line-rescue team from Deal.

The rescue took more than two hours in cooler conditions.

Mr Begent said this was preferred because of the amount of climbing the task entailed.

Watch manager John Howard said: “The scenario presnted an interesting challenge for the crews involved and provided the chance to put our training in to practice at an unusual location.

"We are grateful to the Folkestone Leas Lift Community Interest Company for allow us use of the facility, which is one of the oldest water lifts in the country for this unique training opportunity."

The Grade II listed Victorian Leas Lift was restored in 2011 and has carried more than 50 million passengers.