Manchester big wheel returns for New Year celebrations

The big wheel at Piccadilly Gardens will remain in place until 2015

Manchester's big wheel has returned to the city in time for New Year celebrations.

The 60-metre (196ft) wheel has moved to Piccadilly Gardens which will be the site of a fireworks display.

The wheel is the focus of the city's celebrations, which will also see a minute's silence at 23:30 GMT held in memory of Adam Pickup.

Police searching for the missing teenager found a body near Deansgate railway station on Monday afternoon.

Councillor Pat Karney, city centre spokesman for Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester is like one big family at times of great sadness and our thoughts are very much with Adam's family and friends.

"It wouldn't have been right for us to go ahead with our New Year party without a minute's silence to show our respects."

Night bus services will run until 04:00 GMT and trams will run until 01:45 GMT on some routes.

The Piccadilly Gardens Metrolink stop will be closed from 23:00 GMT.

The wheel will remain at the site until 2015. It was previously at Exchange Square for eight years until being removed in the summer of 2012.