THE North of England's answer to the London Eye is set to open to the public today after its launch was delayed twice in a few days.

Officials at the National Railway Museum in York said the 200ft-high observation wheel, near the museum and the railway station, was due to open later today.

The wheel, which is only 30ft smaller than the tower of York Minster, has 43 climate- controlled capsules, each for eight people.

It will take about 13 minutes to complete a revolution.

One of these capsules is a `luxury VIP gondola', equipped with leather armchairs.

The wheel was originally scheduled to open last Friday, but bad weather meant work could not be completed on time.

Its rescheduled launch on Monday was delayed again to enable contractors to finish further safety checks.

The project is expected to attract up to 1m visitors from the UK and abroad and create about 30 jobs.

Planning permission to run the wheel was granted for three years, despite police concerns that its proximity to main roads might distract drivers.

Rides on the wheel will cost £6 for adults and £4 for children under 12.

Children under three will be able to ride for free.

The wheel's VIP pod will cost £50 for up to eight people, or £65 with a bottle of champagne.