A GROWING Crossflatts company has taken on a new recruit as it strengthens its investment in sales and marketing.

Adventure engineering firm Hangfast has appointed Leeds Beckett University sports marketing graduate, George Lambourne, to its team.

The move comes as the company, based at the Castlefields Industrial Estate, prepares to complete construction of Europe's first-ever flight tower.

The structure, which is over 60 feet tall, has been built at the Salt Ayre Leisure Centre in Lancaster.

Known as Gravity, the multi-level outdoor tower is designed to test the nerves of adrenalin enthusiasts.

There are various methods of descent including abseil, zip-line or free fall.

The project is the latest in a series for Hangfast, whose extensive customer base includes Center Parcs, Legoland and Alliance Leisure.

Last year, the firm launched an improved website and 'refreshed' its brand.

And strengthening that brand will be among the responsibilities of 22-year-old Mr Lambourne, an outdoor adventure enthusiast whose passions include kayaking, mountain biking, sailing and climbing.

He said he was delighted to be joining the company, with which he has previously worked on big-screen installation projects at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds.

"Though I'm originally from West Sussex I enjoyed my time at Leeds Beckett University because I developed my passion for sport," he added.

"I've always hoped to pursue a career where I can enable others to share my enthusiasm for physical activity and fun.

"What's great about Hangfast is that it's not only a world-leading adventure engineering company, which delivers major installations, it's also about creating the opportunity for others to enjoy excitement and adventure."

The Gravity scheme – scheduled for completion next month – is the latest stage of a £5 million regeneration of Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, which also includes a climbing wall, indoor soft play centre, 100-station gym, indoor and outdoor training areas and a dedicated cycle spin studio. The final phase is a spa facility, due for completion this summer.

Hangfast was founded a decade ago by climbing and outdoors enthusiast, John Beers, who remains owner and director.

Innovative climbing-wall designs and other products have helped the attraction of the pursuit increasingly expand from enthusiasts to the mass market.

And growth was boosted in 2015 with the introduction of the XHeight climbing wall.

Other facilities manufactured by the company include artificial caving and rope courses.