THE first people to ascend the newly reopened Glasgow Tower made an extra effort to be there today by flying from New Jersey!

Mitchell Guthrie, wife Emily and daughter Lily, 2, who travelled from the US to see relatives, were given free passes to the tower.

The troubled 416ft structure reopened today after being closed for a year due to technical problems.

But that didn't put the Guthries off as they took the two-and-a-half minute elevator trip to the top.

Mrs Guthrie, 30, said: "We came to the Science Centre for Lily, saw the tower was open and were invited up."

Mitchell, originally from Langbank, Renfrewshire, added: "It was a great surprise."

The tower trips cost £4.95 with £3.95 concessions.