THE Severn Bore, the tidal wave that funnels up the River Severn from Bristol to Gloucester at times of particularly high tide, and one of only eight such phenomena in the country, was exceptionally large at the weekend because of the eclipse.

Gazette editor Skip Walker went to see the bore on Saturday for the first time and was bowled over by the experience.

"Having lived in the area for more than 30 years I thought it was about time I went to see for myself, rather than just watching on television, and I am so glad that I did," said Skip.

"I was expecting just a rolling hump of a wave, about the size of a travelling traffic hump but when it came at 7.33am it was a proper crashing couple of waves that made a terrific roar and rose to the height of about seven feet and carried an enormous amount of turbulence in its wake.

"The dozens of surfers and canoeists who had made the trip were delighted, as were we – about 50 of us on the banks either side of river – who had come to watch the spectacle.

"Not only that but it was a gloriously sunny morning and made getting up at 5am well worth it.

"It was a truly memorable experience that I would recommend to everyone."

The next 5* bore, the highest rating, is expected in September this year.