A ride on the gallopers has a timeless appeal, so the Christmas arrival in Norwich of one of the oldest surviving carousels in the country is proving popular.

The 40ft diameter Pride of the South Gallopers, which is taking pride of place outside The Forum in the city centre, was built by Frederick Savage of King's Lynn in 1893.

Eastern Daily Press: The Pride of the South Gallopers carousel dates back to 1893.The Pride of the South Gallopers carousel dates back to 1893. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The carousel, with its 36 brightly coloured horses, suspended on polished, twisted brass poles, featured in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Eastern Daily Press: Theo and Alexa enjoyed the carousel at The Forum, which featured in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.Theo and Alexa enjoyed the carousel at The Forum, which featured in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The carousel, which costs £2.50 per ride, also features elaborate, cut glass mirrors, while music from an organ in the middle of the ride completes the nostalgic feel.

Eastern Daily Press: Up close with one of the gallopers.Up close with one of the gallopers. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Operated by The Downs Traditional Funfair, the ride was opened on Sunday (December 19) and children were among those who were eager to clamber aboard the hand-painted horses.

Eastern Daily Press: Owner John Downes with his Pride of the South Gallopers.Owner John Downes with his Pride of the South Gallopers. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The carousel will remain outside The Forum until Sunday, January 2, although it will not be running on Christmas Day.

Eastern Daily Press: Arthur and Damien ride the Pride of the South Gallopers carousel at The Forum in Norwich.Arthur and Damien ride the Pride of the South Gallopers carousel at The Forum in Norwich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Eastern Daily Press: Teddy rides the carousel, which was made in King's Lynn.Teddy rides the carousel, which was made in King's Lynn. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Eastern Daily Press: Kaixin with her dad on the carousel at The Forum in Norwich.Kaixin with her dad on the carousel at The Forum in Norwich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Eastern Daily Press: Sina and Zeina on the carousel.Sina and Zeina on the carousel. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Eastern Daily Press: Violet and Veer enjoy a ride on the carousel.Violet and Veer enjoy a ride on the carousel. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Eastern Daily Press: Lottie on the King's Lynn-made carousel.Lottie on the King's Lynn-made carousel. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Eastern Daily Press: Julian takes a whirl on the carousel at The Forum in Norwich.Julian takes a whirl on the carousel at The Forum in Norwich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Eastern Daily Press: Oscar and Sam on the Pride of the South Gallopers.Oscar and Sam on the Pride of the South Gallopers. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Eastern Daily Press: Archie and Jess enjoy the carousel at The Forum in Norwich.Archie and Jess enjoy the carousel at The Forum in Norwich. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)