Grand Pier bosses in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, have installed a new £50,000 ride on the seaside landmark.

The Galaxy Rider is a tower ride with seats and was installed on the pier on Tuesday.

It features large windows to provide a panoramic experience and the ride is available in two sizes – Standard and Super Tall, which towers seven and a half metres high.

The ride sits in the middle of the pavilion building and was brought over from Italy.

As the capsule rises, the riders can interactively turn it left and right, using the built-in joystick controls.

It is suitable for children as young as six years unaccompanied, however children can ride on it at any age when accompanied by an adult.

In addition the pier has also installed another seven small rides for very young children.

Grand Pier owner Kerry Michael said: "We looked at our visitor feedback and people were telling us there wasn't enough on offer for young children, so we have invested in some new exciting rides for our younger visitors.

"The Galaxy Rider is a commitment to our continued investment in the Grand Pier. "Everything is brand new, but we will continually add to it to maintain our state-of-the-art attraction."

Two further major attractions are planned in the near future including Surf's Up, a giant surf board ride to be built on top of the pier walkway.

The ride, produced by Zamperla, will see people stand up and move along on two moving waves, transporting them from the shore end of the pier to the pavilion.

Inspiration for the ride, which holds around 20 people, came during a trip by the Michael's to Italy during their world wide search for top attractions.

The infrastructure is already in place so it will be a case of getting it manufactured and installed.

In addition the brother and sister duo also plan to install a 91 metre (300ft) high panoramic tower at the end of the pier.

The tower similar to a ride at Sea World, Florida, will lower to ground level to pick up visitors' and then rise up and revolve 360 degrees to offer a panoramic ride.

Mr Michael says more than £500,000 has already been spent on the foundations to the tower.

At this stage the Michaels are unable to outline exact timescale for these new additions but it is hoped work will begin on them this year.