The Cheltenham Observation Wheel launched on Friday and will be in place in Imperial Gardens until March 3.

The wheel is being sponsored for the second year running by Cheltenham accountants Hazlewoods and to celebrate the attraction's arrival, a networking event took place at the nearby Artisan Baker, hosted by Cheltenham BID CEO Heath Gunter.

Hazlewoods marketing director Alison Townsend said: "Hazlewoods are delighted to sponsor the big wheel as supporting our local community is very important to us as an organisation. 

Our roots are very much entrenched in Cheltenham and this town is in our DNA. Back in 1919 Marcus Hazlewood opened up the very first accounting office in Cheltenham town centre.

"A hundred years on we've come a long way. We've got almost 600 people working for us now in three large offices in Staverton and Cheltenham town centre and have many long standing local clients from large companies to smaller businesses. As one of Cheltenham's larger employers it's really important to us to support local community events such as the big wheel.

"Hazlewoods is proud to sponsor the Lido, the Christmas ice rink and the Literature Festival. A lot of our employees live in Cheltenham and enjoy all these wonderful events and attractions with their families and friends.

"I want to say a huge thank you to Heath and the Cheltenham BID team because I've worked in events and logistics for most of my working career and to pull off something like this to bring to the town is amazing. It's a huge effort.

"Cheltenham BID do so much to support local businesses and events such as the big wheel generate increased tourist footfall, as well as provide great entertainment for local residents, particularly during the February half-term."

The wheel, operated by The Giant Wheel Company and hosted by Cheltenham BID, offers panoramic views over the Regency rooftops of Cheltenham.

Operating daily until Sunday, March 3, the Observation Wheel will offer extended opening hours on weekends and throughout the half-term holiday.

Wheel tickets are now on sale here