THEY say Rome wasn’t built in a day — but Bolton’s giant ferris wheel was, thanks to hardworking engineers with a head for heights.

Crowds yesterday watched them pains-takingly construct the 100ft high wheel, which will be the centrepiece of Victoria Square’s Winter Wonderland.

And three kings on two camels will join the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Colin Shaw, as he officially opens the ferris wheel tomorrow.

They will also kick-start a four-day festive market in the square, which will feature 20 traders from across the North West selling crafts and foods.

Other entertainment planned for the day includes performances from musical quintet Red Hot Santas at 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm, and singers from the Bolton Music Service perform-ing at 6pm and 6.30pm.

Council leader Cllr Cliff Morris said: “The giant wheel is a new addition to our Winter Wonderland programme and I’m sure it will be very popular with people of all ages.

“If you’ve got Christ-mas shopping still to do, come along to our festive market. There will be plenty on offer including food, gifts and crafts.”

The wheel, which seats 144 people, will be open Thursdays to Saturdays from 11am to 7.30pm, Sundays from 11am to 5.30pm, and Mondays to Wednesdays from 11am to 5.30pm.

It will be open on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, from 11am to 4pm.

The ride costs £3.50 for adults, £2 for under-16s, and £2.50 for senior citizens and students.

Family tickets at £7 cover two adults and two children or one adult and three children.

Tickets can be purchased from a box office in Victoria Square or by visiting bolton.com/winterwonderland