Work has started on North Yorkshire's answer to the London Eye.

The National Railway Museum (NRM) said sections of the 200ft high observation wheel were arriving at the site near to the York-based museum and the citys railway station and construction would begin this afternoon.

The wheel, which will be only 30ft smaller than Yorks world-famous Minster, will open to the public on Friday April 7.

Andrew Scott, head of the NRM, said: Were looking forward to The Yorkshire Wheel growing before our eyes over the coming days and to the first of many visitors enjoying the unique views it will offer over our beautiful city.

The wheels components arrived in 27 40ft containers following a journey by sea and road from the manufacturers in Holland and specialist contractors will start to construct the base before lifting a central V section into place.

The remainder of the wheel will then be constructed around this section over the next 10 days.

The wheel will have 43 climate-controlled capsules for eight people and will take about 13 minutes to complete a revolution.

The project is expected to attract up to one million visitors from the UK and abroad and create around 30 jobs in the city.

Planning permission has been given to run the wheel for three years despite some concerns from the police that its proximity to main roads may distract drivers.