A clever camera installed at the top of the Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse in Sutton Bridge means those unable to scale its steep stairs will still be able to enjoy the breath-taking views it has to offer.
Lighthouse owners Doug and Sue Hilton have fitted a chimney pot camera capable of streaming video footage of the panoramic views of the tidal River Nene and surrounding Fenland landscape back down to the ground floor for those unable to climb to the top.
The camera slides up and down through the chimney cap and a clip of it in action has been uploaded to internet video channel You Tube.
However, due to the current wet weather conditions and a few technical hiccups Mr Hilton says it isn’t quite fully functional yet.
“It does work really well,” said Mr Hilton, who bought the Sutton Bridge landmark back in 2010.
“Because the chimney pot has to go up, that will let water into the building if the weather is really bad, so I can’t see our way to using it for public access live streaming viewing just yet.
“At the moment we are trying to find a suitable internet streaming program that will raise and lower the chimney cap as well as control the video.
“We’re open to offers from anyone professional and in the know as to how it can be done,” he added.
As well as the technical addition, the couple are also forging ahead with their plans to create a visitor centre including café and museum at the site, although the wet weather of the previous two years has left a lot of repair work to complete.
“We have to repair the inside of the lighthouse after the damage caused when the water came in,” Mr Hilton explained.
The couple have also replaced all the fencing around the gardens to protect the geese and ducks.
The East Bank Lighthouse was built in around 1830 and was home to renowned conservationist Sir Peter Scott between 1933 and 1939.