Silverdale Glen’s vintage water-driven carousel is turning again following essential maintenance.

The historic roundabout was opened to the public again last week after refurbishment by a the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

It was originally installed early in the last century and is powered by a lever that enables the water to flow from the nearby boating lake, turning the carousel’s waterwheel.

The carousel has undergone a number of refurbishments over the years. However, it still has many of its original working parts.

It was last closed for major repairs in 2007 and the attraction now features the gallopers fixed to a revolving platform rather than suspended from the rotating arms above.

Local historian Peter Kelly said the carousel’s original horses are now in the Manx Museum.

He said: ’The roundabout was installed by Mr Quine who developed the glen and bought second-hand gallopers from a steam-driven funfair carousel in England.

’This was told to me by Mr Mitchell who owned and ran the glen for years before it was taken over by the Forestry, Mines and Lands Board.

’DEFA replaced the original horses with fibreglass ones and the original ones went to the Manx Museum.’

All the playground equipment at Silverdale Glen has recently been replaced as part of a programme of works to improve and enhance facilities in the national glens around the island.

The government programme aims to encourage more people to access and enjoy the island’s 18 glens.

Silverdale Glen carousel will remain open to the public throughout the summer months and up to and including the October school half term holidays.