Visitors will soon be able to experience 'wheely' wonderful bird's-eye views over Cheltenham.

The Observation Wheel returns this week to Imperial Gardens. Opening on Saturday, 4 February, and running through to the end of the half term holidays, Sunday 26 February, the attraction will provide locals and visitors with the opportunity to enjoy views of the most complete Regency town in the UK, and enjoy personal appearances by a few famous TV characters too.

To celebrate the launch of the wheel on Saturday 4 February, Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol will be greeting their young fans at intervals between 12.15pm and 4.30pm.

On Saturday, 18 February, Paddington will make personal appearances at intervals between 12.15pm and 4.30pm.

Both character appearances promise to be unmissable occasions for families, with opportunities to take photos.

To celebrate Valentine's, a heart arch light installation will be on display in Imperial Gardens from 10 - 20 February, providing couples with the perfect Instagram selfie spot to capture before taking a romantic ride on the wheel.

The entertainment and Cheltenham Observation Wheel has been organised by Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID) and follows the success of a similar event in previous years.

Heath Gunter, chief executive of Cheltenham BID, said: "We are thrilled to see the return of the Cheltenham Observation Wheel, after a couple of years' absence.

"This highly-anticipated event is sure to be a spectacular and enjoyable experience for families and visitors of all ages. Visitors will be treated to breathtaking views of our picturesque town while riding the observation wheel, and it will provide a unique and memorable experience for everyone who visits.

"Additionally, we have planned some pop-up events to add to the entertainment during the wheel's stay in the town."

Character appearances are free. Adult tickets cost £7, children under 1.4m £5 and a family ticket (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children under 1.4m) £20. Tickets can be booked here 

The Observation Wheel will be built from 1-3 February.

A small fairground ride will also be operating in Imperial Gardens during the weekends and half-term week and Thomas Trilby will be providing street entertainment in the gardens on 11 February afternoon.