FacelIft, the Sussex-based plant hire group, is reaching new heights.

The most recent addition to the Hickstead company's fleet is a Bronto Skylift cherrypicker which extends vertically to a dizzy 203ft and can stretch horizontally across a balance-defying 121ft.

So far, the Bronto has taken maintenance workers heavenwards at Winchester, Litchfield and Peterborough cathedrals as well as Lancing College chapel.

Managing director Gordon Leicester, said: "Our Bronto Skylift is the answer to a maintenance manager's prayer.

"Without scaffolding it offers a quick way of reaching the most inaccessible places."

He said the company was now a leader in the access hire industry, a position it had achieved by constantly striving to improve its operations, fleet and service.

It started trading in 1984 and now had the most up-to-date and widest range of equipment available.

Mr Leicester said: "Our machines are used by a great many professions, including architects, surveyors, tree surgeons, glaziers, lighting engineers, film units, window cleaners, TV cable companies, home decorators and bridge inspection units."

The company has more than 200 machines, including the UK's largest fleet of heavy duty plant capable of travelling under bridges without having to be dismantled and reassembled.