MINEHEAD’S tallest-ever Esplanade seafront attraction – a 33-metre high observation wheel – opens for business tomorrow afternoon (Saturday).

And it brings with it hopes that it will spectacularly improve tourist business in the town during its six-week stay.

Minehead is only the third UK venue for the state-of-the-art Vuewheel since it arrived in Britain a few months ago. Previously it was in Canterbury and Leicester city centre.

The £10,000 cost of hiring the monster London Eye-style wheel has been shared between Minehead Events Group and Butlin’s.

Richard Lillis, of Minehead Events Group, said plans to bring the wheel to Minehead were hatched with Butlin’s after new legislation and soaring costs forced the cancellation of the Red Arrows air show on August 10.

“We were determined to find a spectacular alternative attraction to bring visitors to the town this summer – and I hope we’ve done that,” he said.

“Even while it was being built last week, we had over 10,000 Facebook hits saying it will be a fantastic boost for the holiday trade.

“If it is successful, as we are sure it will be, there is already talk of booking the attraction for the whole summer season next year.”

The wheel can carry 144 people – its 24 capsules accommodate up to six passengers each. A revolution takes two minutes and rides vary from two to three complete spins.