AN OBSERVATION wheel is returning to a popular seafront town this summer - but it will be smaller than usual.

Operators have begun bringing Worthing's observation wheel back to the seafront, as thousands of people are expected to take to a ride this year.

To date, more than 50,000 people have gone on the giant wheel, which gives visitors and residents views of the sea and the town.

However, coronavirus restrictions mean Worthing and Adur Council's have opted for a smaller, 33-metre high wheel, which is currently being constructed on the site between The Beacon and the beach office at the bottom of Montague Place.

It is set to be up and running in time for the bank holiday weekend.

Unlike previous models, the smaller wheel is built with no enclosed carriages to provide ventilation.

A spokesman for Worthing Borough Council said: “We are delighted to have the Worthing Observation Wheel back on the seafront.

"We are sure this new model will be as popular as the previous structure although there are some days an extra layer of clothing might be in order.

“On balance we were happy to go with the open air ride so visitors will not only get spectacular views but extra fresh salty sea air and for no extra cost!”

It comes amid calls for people in Brighton and Hove to "keep up good habits" after the number of new Covid-19 cases rose by more than a quarter.

In the seven days up to last Friday, April 23, there were 49 confirmed new Covid-19 cases in the city, which is a 26 per cent increase on the previous week, and equivalent to a weekly rate of 16.8 per 100,000 residents.

This is lower than the rate for England, which was 24.8 per 100,000, and lower than the rate in the South East, at 19 per 100,000.

Director of Public Health Alistair Hill said: “It’s crucial we all keep up good habits around ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’, as well as vaccinations, testing and isolating.

"Covid is still around, it’s still dangerous and we need to do all that we can to prevent the spread."