A POPULAR amusement park has provided an update on its “thrilling” new attraction set to launch later this year.

Adventure Island in Southend first announced its new 38 metre drop tower last November.

The new ride, which is taller than the City Wheel, will be a 16-seater SBF Visa model.

Four names are currently under consideration for the ride, including The Tower, The Needle, Up 360 and Vertigo.

On Saturday Adventure Island provided further updates on the ride’s progress.

A spokesman for Adventure Island said: “Despite the winter chill, we're hard at work building the foundations for our thrilling new drop tower, set to elevate your experience this year.

“Winter strip of rides in full swing – exciting times ahead.”

Adventure Island is undertaking £60,000 of foundation work to accommodate the ride, which it is hoped will open in March next year.

Philip Miller, owner of Adventure Island, said the ride would be cycled as a rotating viewing tower on occasion, as the recent City Wheel ride “went well” with older visitors.