Lifting assembly

A container lifting assembly 102 for raising and/or lowering containers (9, Fig 4) stacked in a grid storage structure (1, Fig 3). Lifting assembly 102 comprising a gripping device (100) which may releasably grip an associated container (9) and a raising / lowering mechanism (39, Fig 7) which raises / lowers gripping device (100). Raising / lowering mechanism comprising a gearing mechanism configured to wind and/or unwind at least one tether 108. A motor 100 actuates the gearing mechanism to wind and/or unwind at least one of tethers which are connected to gripping device (100) to allow for it to be raised / lowered. Support plate 104 supports motor 106. Support frame 112 accommodates capstan pulleys 116 and interconnecting drive shafts 118. Lifting pulley 116 pulls up or lowers at least one tether 108 and winding pulley 114 spools / unspools at least one tether 108, which extend therebetween before connecting to device (100). Tether(s) may comprise a ball and chain arrangement or woven polyester tape. Actuators 126 pinch teether 108 to reduce tension thereof between pullies 114, 116. Motor 110 drive cog wheel 120 which in turn drove cog wheel 122 which is mounted to drive shaft 118 which in turn moves timing belt 124. An associated load handling device, method of raising a container and system per se is also disclosed.