by Tricia Jamieson

Folkestone's historic Leas Lift will reopen tomorrow - restoring the link between its town centre and the seafront.

Crowds gathered at the top and bottom of the lift to witness the handing over of the keys to the new operators on Monday.

There were cheers and applause as Eamonn Rooney (Pictured:Eamonn Rooney, front left, receives the keys to the Leas Lift from Charles Evans as Pamela Hogg looks on) formally accepted the keys on behalf of the Folkestone Leas Lift Community Interest Company from Charles Evans, representing the lift owner Lord Radnor Estate.

The water-powered lift, which opened in 1885, has been closed since Shepway council gave up the lease last June.

Former ticket collector Mr Rooney said: “This is a great day for us and the people of Folkestone and the visitors who have all missed the lift over the past 12 months.

“This September will be its 125th anniversary and we hope people will use it now we have got it back.”

The company is non-profit making and will run the lift as a living museum of Victorian engineering.

Its start-up costs have been helped by a £3,000 donation from the Roger de Haan Charitable Trust, £3,000 from county councillor Roland Tolputt and £1,000 from Folkestone Town Council.

Mr Rooney added: “Now we have possession we can do the things we need to do before starting operating.”

The lift service begins at 10am. It will run Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, at a cost of 90p per adult each way, 50p concessions.

Behind the lift operators with Mr Rooney are ex-town councillor Terry Begent and Pamela Hogg.

For more information on the lift go to www.leasliftfolkestone.co.uk or email Mr Rooney at eamonn44@hotmail.com