WORK has begun on a 55m-high big wheel which will take riders on a 15-minute skyline tour of Liverpool.

A modern version of a Ferris wheel, the Liverpool One Wheel, at Chavasse Park, will be illuminated by white beams when it begins turning next week.

The Mellors fairground family, who have moved into corporate events after specialising in fun rides for three generations, are behind the plans.

But it is proving difficult even for them to lift 365 tonnes of metal into the air.

Company director Edward Mellors said: “It is quite tricky to build on top of a multi-storey car park which is already 20m above ground.

“But it does mean the viewing height is going to be around 80m when the wheel is up.

“It is going to be very impressive.

“We are aiming for November 18, but if we end up a bit late, so be it.”

The £6-a-go Liverpool One Wheel will run until January 31.

A second Ferris wheel – the 60m-high Wheel of Liverpool – is also set to be erected next to the Echo Arena.

Its first sightseers could be taking rides on the wheel by Valentine’s Day.

It would be the same size as the wheel situated in Manchester’s Exchange Square since 2004.