Trent first in line to try new wheel

Children in Oamaru could barely hide their excitement at the installation of a playground mouse wheel on Thursday, with queues forming to watch workmen put the finishing touches to the giant structure.

The wheel, which has a diameter of 3.8m, was built by Oamaru-based Trafo Power Group.

It was not expected to be operational until today, but for Trent Woodford-Cameron that was not soon enough.

Trent was one of half a dozen children eagerly watching the work progress and was rapt when workmen allowed him to try the playground's newest attraction.

"I really wanted to be first," he said.