WITH temperatures hovering around freezing and a clear blue sky overhead, the first passengers stepped into the Bristol Wheel gondolas to get a stunning view across the city.

Some 12 minutes later and having rotated about four times, they were unanimous in their praise for the latest attraction.

From the top of the wheel in the centre of Broadmead they could see far away to the M32 and M4, cast their eyes over to Ashton Court and get a view of the city's many churches and landmarks such as Cabot Tower.

One family were even able to pick out their home in Horfield.

Many of the first-day riders were fascinated to look down on Broadmead and Cabot Circus, seeing the shops from a different angle across their roofs.

Having enjoyed their first ride so much, many people also said they would return for another trip.

The 60 metre-high (197ft) wheel is about the height of 15 double decker buses and has 40 six-seater gondolas. It was a popular attraction in London's Hyde Park at Christmas and was transported to Bristol on 11 trailers.

It took two weeks to position the 365-tonne wheel in place at the Podium, with ten riggers using a 72-tonne crane to lift the heavy metal struts into place.

Although Saturday was the official opening day, some night-time rides were offered on Friday and the wheel will now remain in place until May 8.

It is being operated by the Nottingham-based Mellors Group and director Edward Mellors was in Broadmead to see the first passengers get on board.

He said: "I'm very pleased that people have come out to have a go on such a lovely day like today."

Among the most enthusiastic passengers were children, who said they would be telling their friends all about their trip. Sharon Redmond, 43, of Redfield, accompanied her six-year-old son Billy on the ride.

Billy said: "I thought it was amazing and I had really good views. I could see Debenhams and the Cabot Tower."

Even the height didn't put off the youngsters, or their families. Hattie Revans, ten, of Horfield, rode alongside her dad, Jed, 50.

She said: "It was a bit cold and the first time we went round it was a bit scary but then I wasn't scared any more. I could see over the roof of the Galleries and could see the cathedral."

Liam Bush, nine, who went on the wheel with dad, Gary, 39, of Bedminster, said: "I could see the big Dower House by the M32 and the radio mast that's nearby."

Peter and Frances Irwin, of Knowle, took their six-year-old granddaughter, Bethany, up into the air.

Mr Irwin, 70, said: "It was spectacular, absolutely amazing, and a perfect clear day to enjoy it."

Mrs Irwin, 68, said: "We'd been watching the wheel going up for the past week or so and wanted to have a ride on it.

"We certainly couldn't have picked a better day to see so much, although it was just as interesting to see the roofs of Cabot Circus."