Work at Princess Gardens has begun to prepare for the arrival of the English Riviera Wheel and Carousel.

The English Riviera Wheel is set to open to the public on Friday 30 March and will be here until late September 2018.

The wheel will be operating from 10am until 10pm during school holidays and from 10am until 8pm during school term time.

Torbay’s Elected Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said: "Once again, we are extremely happy to welcome the wheel back to Torquay. It enhances the seafront location, brings more people to Torquay and offers the incredible views that are unique to the Bay.”

The wheel, at nearly 60 metres high, is taller than Nelson's Column and provides breath-taking 360-degree views across the Bay.

It will also be operating in almost complete silence, and features the very latest in observation wheel technology. It is suitable for all ages and has 40 enclosed lit gondolas, each of which can carry up to six passengers and can also take wheelchairs.

Mellors Group’s Group Director, James Mellors said: “As the UK’s leading attraction provider we are proud to return to Torquay with the largest transportable wheel in the UK. We have already taken school bookings from France for this summer as well as a family coming from York as part of their summer holidays.”

The installation of the wheel will take about one week by ten fully trained and qualified personnel using an inbuilt hydraulic system, and has been transported to Torbay on ten specially adapted trailers.

The wheel will once again be competitively priced to enable all to enjoy:

• Adult - £6
• Concession (students and senior citizens) - £5
• Child (under 1.4 metres) - £4
• Family Ticket (2 adults plus 2 children) - £18
• Standard Gondola (seats up to 6) - £30
• VIP Gondola (seats up to 4) - £40
• VIP Gondola with champagne - £75

Online advance booking discount (48 hours in advance): 20% off the gate prices listed above.

For further information and to book online, visit www.englishrivierawheel.co.uk.