SURFERS, canoeists and photographers braved the chilly weather to make the most of the first four star Severn bore of the year.

The large surge wave which hit yesterday and also this morning was the first major tide on the River Severn in more than a year.

A spectacular natural wonder, the bore occurs in the Severn estuary and can reach heights of up to 50 feet.

The narrowing shape and reducing depth of the river help funnel high tides into a bore wave that can run for several miles.

The largest bores are the best for surfing and these usually only occur about four or five times a year.

Dursley photographer Alan Law said: “We saw the Severn Bore for the first time at Epney. It was freezing but worth it."

Hardwicke photographer Paul Nicholls was also out with his camera and caught these dramatic images of surfers and canoeists.

This year there will be a five star bore – the largest - on September 30, which is predicted to reach 10.3 metres.

More four stars are expected next month on March 22 and 23 as well as on September 1 and 2 and 29 plus one on October 1 which is expected to reach between 10 and 10.2 metres.