Surfers have ridden the first five-star Severn Bore of 2019 – one of Britain’s most spectacular tidal phenomena.

The Bore – a tide wave that occurs in the lower reaches of the river – was visible as it surged up between Newnham-on-Severn and Over.

Surfers prepare to surf the first five-star Severn Bore of 2019 at Newnham-on-Severn in Gloucestershire (Ben Birchall/PA)
Surfers prepare to ride the first five-star Severn Bore of 2019 (Ben Birchall/PA)

The Severn Estuary receives the second highest tide anywhere in the world and the differences between the lowest and highest tide in one day can be more than 47ft (14.5m).

Surfers ride the first five-star Severn Bore of 2019 at Newnham-on-Severn in Gloucestershire (Ben Birchall/PA)
Surfers ride the first five-star Severn Bore of 2019 at Newnham-on-Severn in Gloucestershire (Ben Birchall/PA)