A new 130ft (39.6m) big wheel attraction is set to open in Hartlepool this summer as part of celebrations designed coincide with the 2010 Tall Ships Races.

The wheel - one of the largest attractions of its kind in the UK - will be located at the Town Moor Fair on the Headland, which is due to run between 29 July and 10 August.

Fair operator John Murphy said: "The Giant Wheel is a huge attraction and there is no doubt that it will enhance the experience for the many visitors we are expecting this summer."

Michelle Daurat, Tall Ships project manager for Hartlepool Council, added: "The Town Moor Fair and Headland Carnival will be an integral part of the Tall Ships event."