A traditional helter-skelter, the first of its kind in Great Yarmouth for almost 40 years, has appeared on the town's seafront.

The full-sized ride, once a familiar sight in seaside towns, is the latest addition to Merrivale Model Village, where it towers above the figurines and miniature shops, hotels and houses.

Dean Gray, 33, who owns the model village with Sophi Parkes, is hoping the helter-skelter becomes another Golden Mile landmark.

"People will see it and they will know that's where the model village is," he said. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: George Claydon, four, ready to slide down the new helter skelter at the Merrivale Model Village at Great Yarmouth. Photo: Denise Bradley. George Claydon, four, ready to slide down the new helter skelter at the Merrivale Model Village at Great Yarmouth. Photo: Denise Bradley. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The last helter-skelter in Great Yarmouth was at the Pleasure Beach and left the seafront in 1988.

The new 16m (52ft) ride sits at the front of Merrivale on the site of an old carpark.

"It's a prime location and it gives fantastic views from the top. You can see all of the seafront and all of the model village," Mr Gray said.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Nicola Ashby and two-year-old Molly try out the new helter skelter. Photo: Denise Bradley. Nicola Ashby and two-year-old Molly try out the new helter skelter. Photo: Denise Bradley. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The helter-skelter costs £3 for three rides. There is a £1 discount with a ticket to the model village.

Mr Gray's family has a background in travelling funfairs and he has grown up with an interest in old rides and fairground attractions.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The helter-skelter at Merrivale Model Village is the first in Great Yarmouth for almost 40 years. Photo: Denise Bradley. The helter-skelter at Merrivale Model Village is the first in Great Yarmouth for almost 40 years. Photo: Denise Bradley. (Image: Denise Bradley)

"In every seaside town you'll see the same sort of things so this will be a little bit different," he said.

"A lot of people have never been on, or even seen, a helter-skelter."

READ MORE: Meet George, 81, the helter skelter fan who still loves the fairground

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A view of Great Yarmouth seafront and Merrivale Model Village from the park's new helter-skelter. Photo: Denise Bradley. A view of Great Yarmouth seafront and Merrivale Model Village from the park's new helter-skelter. Photo: Denise Bradley. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The helter-skelter joins the retro penny arcade which has a clutch of new machines.

"I think it's a great addition to the seafront. It will only make the seafront better," Mr Gray said. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Lisa Claydon and her daughter, Emily, five, try out the new helter skelter at the Merrivale Model Village at Great Yarmouth. Photo: Denise Bradley. Lisa Claydon and her daughter, Emily, five, try out the new helter skelter at the Merrivale Model Village at Great Yarmouth. Photo: Denise Bradley. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The ride itself is two-years-old and made of aluminium and fibreglass which makes it easier to look after compared with the older, wooden models.

The helter-skelter, like the model village, is open from 10am to 6pm every day.