The road closure is expected to be in place until late on Sunday afternoon

An enormous crane measuring more than 70 metres has been towering above Friargate.

The road in the centre of Preston has been shut since 4am while workmen hoisted the red crane which can be seen across the city.

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Friargate Court is to see its crane, which stands 43m, lifted up and over the new student housing development and onto a waiting trailer to be towed away.

Chains being attached to the existing crane

Working in blistering heat the crews are attaching chains to the Friargate crane to then hoist it up into the air and down into the road.

Get a crick in your neck looking up this crane!

Eric Wright Construction said they expected the road would reopen around 4pm on Sunday depending on the progress made.

View of the crane from Maudland Bank

Related: Behind the scenes at Friargate Court

Friargate Court is an £18m development of 244 student flats on the corner of Great Shaw Street and Friargate.