You may have spotted the giant red crane looming over Spinningfields Square on Deansgate in Manchester whilst you’ve been doing your Christmas shopping.

Towering at 63m, the brand-new structure can lift up to 12 tonnes of weight and is an integral part in the construction of 125 Deansgate.

Earlier this month, we braved the Manchester weather and climbed the 250 ladder rungs to the top of the crane to take in the sights for ourselves.

Captivated by the impressive views of the John Rylands Library, No. 1 Spinningfields and much of the construction happening across Manchester our attention swiftly turned to the Town Hall where Manchester’s iconic inflatable Santa reigned over the festive Christmas Markets.

Take a look at some of the photos from our trip to the top.