An inland surfing lake that can generate up to 1,000 waves an hour is now open to the public.

The Wave, in the village of Easter Compton, has cost £25 million and taken nine years to create.

It features a 590ft (180m) long lake, filled with 26 million litres of water, which organisers say is the first inland surfing destination of its kind.

They aim to create perfect surfing conditions for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.

Waves at the site, which has six different surfing zones, range from nearly 20in (50cm) to more than 6ft (2m) high.

As the site develops, it will offer gardens, meadowland, woodland and family-friendly camping, opening in 2020.

In total, 16,000 trees and 1,870ft (570m) of hedgerow will be planted at the site, along with 13.5 acres of wildflower meadowland.

A further site, The Wave London, is planned for Lee Valley Regional Park in 2023.

Photos by Steve Richards