A BIG wheel standing 92ft high and boasting views impressive views of the Cleveland Hills has opened in the centre of a North-East town.

The giant ferris wheel opened on Joseph Pease Place in the centre of Darlington yesterday (FRI).

Town Centre manager Christine Kavanagh said yesterday she is hoping that it will attract people from across the region and further afield.

She said: “It is nice to bring something different to Darlington. It will help to bring different people into the town who can see the area from another perspective”

The wheel will be open until December 15.

It will be running throughout the Winter Wonderland Christmas Market Spectacular which starts on December 11.

The council hopes the wheel will provide Christmas cheer ahead of the arrival of Santa and the switching on of the Christmas lights tomorrow (SUN).

Darlington council markets officer Albert Nowicki said: “Everyone has seen the views of Darlington from the floor, but no-one has seen such nice views from the air. It is a good start to the festive proceedings before the Winter Wonderland”.

Essex-based firm Phillips Family Fun owns the ride which has travelled to 20 British locations this year, including Leeds and Glasgow.

It has also been used at the Isle of Wight festival.

Friday afternoon saw a steady amount of customers and many more are expected.

At 92ft, those taking a ride can see picturesque views of Darlington that stretch from the Town Hall and St Cuthbert’s Church to the train station clock.

Retired Darlington couple John Wraight, 70, and Elsa Wraight, 67 left the wheel with broad smiles “Its better than the London Eye. I used to be a vicar so it got me a bit closer to God” said Mr Wraight.

Darlington’s Cornmill Shopping Centre Manager Susan Young, 36, enjoyed the ride.

She said: "You get great views of the town centre and miles beyond. It is well priced because you go round four times”.

The wheel has multi coloured flashing lights and each riding box fits four people.

The wheel is eight metres taller than the Angel of the North and level with St Cuthbert’s church spire.

It costs £2.50 for adults, and £2 for children under 12 and concessions. It is open from 10am to 6pm each day.

View gallery

You can view pictures taken from the top of the wheel in our gallery by clicking here