As a long-time Felixstowe resident, the arrival of the new 34.5-metre high Ferris wheel on the seafront represented an unrivalled opportunity to see the town as I had never seen it before and experience the town's newest ride.
And the attraction did not disappoint when I visited on a sunny and warm Tuesday morning, with breathtaking views of the port and the whole of the promenade from Manor End to Cobbolds Point.
READ MORE: Ferris wheel up and running along Felixstowe seafront
The wheel started operating last week after being installed by Essex-based firm Observation Attractions Company on one of the grass patches between the promenade and Sea Road.
READ MORE: Felixstowe's new 144-person Ferris wheel to open in August
The organisers of the ride hope to be able to attract hundreds of tourists to the seaside town and the wheel has the capacity to carry 144 people, with each of its 24 gondolas capable of holding six, including one accessible carriage.
And from my own vantage point, the ride is well worth the £6 fee- £5 for children, with families of two adults and two children being able to go on for £20.
I was joined by the EADT's photographer for the ten minute ride in a gondola, during which the wheel rotated twice in an anti-clockwise direction, stopping for a while at the top so visitors had time to take photos and shoot some video of the panoramic views.
And what a stunning vista it was, with views of the red light ships moored close to the port's giant cranes in the distance and landmarks such as the white Martello Tower P at Manor End and the pier.
READ MORE: Felixstowe news
Closer to hand, we could see the growing crowds enjoying the summer sun on the promenade and beach, as the light gleamed on the water on a near perfect day to be visiting the seaside.
Woodbridge resident Richard Clark, his daughter Rebecca Clark and granddaughter Evie Higgins were among visitors taking a trip on the Ferris wheel.
Following his ride, he said: "I think the value for money is there. It will certainly be good for the town. It is an attraction and the kids will love it."
Felixstowe residents, husband and wife Mick and Wendy Clarke, also enjoyed their gondola ride.
Mr Clarke said: "It is nice. I think it is brilliant really. I think it is really good because it is going to bring people in and people are going to come and see it."
Wendy put the Ferris wheel into the context of new facilities being developed along the seafront, which include the new Felixstowe Seashore Village providing 27 traditional beach huts.
In July, a new activity park opened as part of the village project, providing a climbing wall, table tennis tables, picnic benches, chess tables and an outdoor workout space.
Wendy said: "I think they are doing very well along the seafront at the moment. When it is finished, it will be alright."
Paul Hedges, from Observation Attractions Company, said there had been a 'very good response' from the public since the wheel started operating, with visitors coming during the day and at night when the seafront is lit up in the dark.
He added: "We have had a very good response. Lots of people say they love it and they want it to stay. It has been very well received and we have had people getting back on it again."
The wheel operates from 11am to 9pm, Monday to Friday and 11am to 10pm on Saturdays.
Mr Hedges said the attraction was operating on a temporary, trial basis until late October, but if it proved a success and there were no issues, the ride was set to return for next year's summer season.
READ MORE: Suffolk news
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