Britain's steepest cliff railway has had to be reinforced because passengers are now so much heavier than when it opened in 1892. Parts stripped from a Land Rover were used to strengthen the suspension to 18-passenger carriages on the 200ft climb at Bridgnorth, Shropshire.

Malvern Tipping, director of the Bridgnorth Funicular Railway, said the extra weight of passengers had been jamming the doors.

"Part of the problem we had was not only that some renewal of the support and springing was required, but we are faced with people having become larger and heavier," he said.

"It arises from us all eating too much and enjoying a more sedentary lifestyle. Like others, I now have to try to watch my weight."

He blamed the inactive lifestyle people are living and said the carriages were designed to take smaller people.

The railway, built in 1891, is said to be both the shortest and the steepest in Britain.