OFFERING far-reaching views over the city centre and beyond, the Bristol Wheel today opens to the public.

Despite the snow, fog and mist yesterday many of the city's landmarks stood out from the top of the 60m high observation wheel as I took the opportunity to be one of the first people to take a ride.

During the relaxing 12-minute ride the spires of St Mary Redcliffe Church peeped out from under the fog while the city's tallest building Castlemead was clear to see.

Grade I listed St Paul's Church was clearly visible due to its distinctive outline which once gave it the nickname "the Wedding Cake church".

Other landmarks that could be seen from the top included the peaceful haven of Quakers Friars standing in the middle of Broadmead and the gentle green slopes of Castle Park that were distinctive among the rooftops of nearby shops.

Past the city centre it was just possible to see Kingsdown and Purdown and into the start of the Avon Valley.

Yesterday was mostly gloomy, but on a clear day those riding in one of the wheel's 40 comfortable six-seater gondolas can expect to gain panoramic views of the city and maybe even see as far as Bath.

During the ride an informative commentary on Bristol's history is played and the geography of the parts of the city that are visible from the attraction is explained.

The gondolas are sturdy and do not swing or sway during the ride, although those ascending in the next month or so may want to wrap up warm as they are not completely sheltered from the elements.

The enormous structure was last used in London's Hyde Park at Christmas, and was transported to Bristol on 11 trailers.

It dwarfs anything below it, standing in the heart of Broadmead in The Podium, the open space in the centre.

It was erected by a team of engineers over the last two weeks and at 60m (197ft) tall is about the height of 15 double-decker buses and dwarfs Cabot Tower, which is just 32m (105ft).

Street furniture was removed to make way for the 365-tonne wheel, which is still fenced off. Ten riggers used a 72-tonne crane to lift the heavy metal struts into place, which are now decorated with blue lights to make night time rides that bit more exciting.

The wheel is run by Nottingham-based business Mellors Group, which was granted temporary planning permission for it by Bristol City Council last month.

The company carried out work to ensure that the ground beneath The Podium was suitable to hold the wheel, taking ultrasound readings to make sure its weight was distributed properly.

Kevin Duffy, Cabot Circus director, took a ride on the wheel with the Evening Post yesterday.

Despite being scared of heights Mr Duffy enjoyed the views of the surrounding area and found the ride smoother than he expected.

"The wheel really gives people a unique perspective on the city centre," he said.

"It is remarkable to see how compact the city really is.

"For those interested in architecture it's wonderful because there are so many different styles in Bristol.

"It's a really interesting piece of technology that gives an intriguing perspective on the city."

Edward Mellors, a director of Mellors Group, told the Evening Post the wheel would be a great addition to the city's skyline and could drive up visitor numbers to the city centre by 20 per cent.

The new wheel will be running in Bristol until May 8.

For more information, visit www.bristolwheel.co.uk.