AN exciting new £1million ride at Adventure Island is taking shape after bosses revealed their aim to unveil it before this summer.

Thrill seekers have been eagerly waiting for the thrilling new drop tower to rise in Southend after it was teased by the Western Esplanade theme park last year.

Echo: At work - crews on the site yesterdayAt work - crews on the site yesterday (Image: Rob Frost)

The attraction - aptly named Vertigo - stands even taller than the City Wheel at 38 metres and will send 16 riders slowly to the top before plummeting back down.

It will also offer unrivalled views of Southend and out to the Thames Estuary.

Echo: Tall - the attraction towering above the other ridesTall - the attraction towering above the other rides (Image: Rob Frost)

Last month Marc Miller, managing director of the Stockvale Group, which owns Adventure Island, joined the firm’s head of engineering in Italy to test out the new attraction.

A crane rolled into the seafront theme park as four lorry loads carrying all the parts for the new drop tower ride arrived on Monday morning.

Echo: Opening soon? - Bosses are aiming for a pre-summer unveilingOpening soon? - Bosses are aiming for a pre-summer unveiling (Image: Rob Frost)

Now, photos from Echo camera club member Rob Frost show the ride is undergoing construction, with the aim to have it open and fully operational before the summer.

Echo: Bird's eye - an aerial view of the workBird's eye - an aerial view of the work (Image: Rob Frost)

On Facebook on Monday, a spokesman for Adventure Island wrote: “Vertigo has touched down on the island.

“We are not sure you’re ready for this one. More updates coming soon.”

Echo: Construction - a crane on siteConstruction - a crane on site (Image: Rob Frost)