A woman on the top floor of a block of flats has been trapped in her home in the hottest week in Britain's history because the lift is broken.

Residents have been told they may have to wait another two weeks before it is repaired.

While Brighton and Hove City Council may be having trouble getting hold of the parts, as the French factory which makes them is on holiday, that will be no comfort to the elderly residents who feel trapped in their own homes.

Some of the people living in the flats are in their 70s and 80s and cannot manage the flight of stairs to their homes and rely on the lift.

Whatever the reasons for the delay, the residents of the block in Bowring Way, Whitehawk, need help not excuses.