These breathtaking images show how members of the public are being given access to one of the largest underground chambers in the country - normally only accessible to experienced cavers.

Continuing a long British tradition spanning nearly 70 years, visitors have been gifted the annual opportunity to visit the plunging depths of Gaping Gill, near Ingleton, Yorkshire, UK. The vast cavern is so big it could contain the knave of York Minster inside it and also boasts a jaw-dropping 150ft waterfall - twice the height of Niagra.

In these stunning pictures taken on Thursday (August 27) tourists - just tiny specks - can be seen dangling from a winch into the colossal vault next to the beautiful Fell Beck falls.

To give the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to inexperienced explorers, Craven Potholing Club set up the winch. Using their kit they can gently lower visitors 340ft from the mouth to the cave floor.