Striking new drone pictures reveal how two large underground water tanks have been uncovered during multi-million-pound restoration works on a beloved landmark.

They were unearthed as part of an ongoing project to bring the historic Leas Lift in Folkestone back to its former glory.

Built in 1885, the funicular has been used over the decades to transport passengers from the seafront to The Leas, above the cliff.

But it has been out of action since 2017, following an issue with its braking system.

Earlier this year, work started to make repairs and improvements to the Grade II-listed lift – one of only three remaining water-balanced funicular railways in the UK.

Now, engineers have reopened the tanks at the lower station.

Installed in the late 1800s, the tanks were part of a pioneering water recycling system that powered the lift.

It comes as progress continues across the site, with both upper and lower tanks now being repaired to once again play a key role in the water-powered mechanism.

Leas Lift’s interim CEO Jo Streeter said the rediscovery highlights the creativity of the engineers who first designed the system.

“The restoration of the original tanks at both the top and bottom of the lift is a reminder of the ingenuity of this Victorian system,” she said.

“It’s a real privilege to conserve these features, which were well ahead of their time in terms of water reuse and energy efficiency.

“By restoring rather than replacing them, we’re keeping the spirit of the original design alive.”

When the lift opened in 1885, water used to power its descent was simply released onto the beach below.

In 1890, with the addition of a second track and pump room, the lower tanks were installed to collect and reuse the water - marking the start of a new, self-sustaining system.

Earlier this year, engineers also exposed the upper tanks beneath The Leas promenade.

These could hold up to 166,000 litres of water and formed the heart of the mechanism.

By 1899, more tanks were added, taking the total capacity to over 261,000 litres.

The upper tanks are now being lined with glass-reinforced plastic to make them watertight while preserving their original form, while those at the base of the lift are undergoing repairs in situ.

Set to reopen in 2026, the funicular hopes to welcome visitors on a ride powered entirely by water and gravity - a system that has carried more than 36 million passengers since 1885.

The restored lift will feature a new lower station, visitor centre, cafe and exhibition space, while retaining its distinctive wooden cars and Victorian engineering.

The project is costing £6.6 million, with £4.8 million coming from a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.