The window cleaners with Blackpool's best view

As the summer holidays get under way, a team of specialist cleaners with a head for heights have been called in for a spot of window cleaning.

But this no ordinary job, with Fylde Coast Cleaners Ltd working at heights of about 380ft (116m) as they clean the glass SkyWalk at Blackpool Tower from the outside.

Secured by safety ropes as they abseil from the top of the tower, the team arguably enjoy one of Blackpool's most spectacular workplace views, with the Promenade far below and the Irish Sea stretching into the distance.

"The most exciting thing is cleaning the glass at the Tower Top," said Damian Vanner.

"From climbing trees as a boy, to climbing a structure like this, it keeps you feeling young."

Some members of the team are continuing a family tradition, albeit with slightly more modern equipment.

"The story was my great-great-great granddad back in the day would use newspapers to clean the windows and if he'd had a long shift he'd use his socks to finish the job," recalled Craig Burt.

With panoramic views taking in Bowland, the Lake District, Liverpool and, on clear days, the Isle of Man, it's no wonder Shaun Smith enjoys coming to work.

"Who else can say they've done it?" he said.

"It's what Blackpool's famous for and it's the most famous building we've got. Being from Blackpool, it's an iconic building, so it's good to be here."

While the views are spectacular, he said the work itself could be demanding.

"It's an awkward one because you've got to watch your stepping, watch the metalwork and avoid bashing your hands on the girders," he said.

"It's a lot to keep aware of, making sure your harness is attached and keeping hold of your equipment.

"It's a lot of hard work."

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