The Wave Bristol surfing lake starts filling with water

An artificial surfing lake that has taken years to build on the outskirts of Bristol has started filling with water - with its official opening just weeks away.

Twenty five million litres of water will be pumped into the concrete basin of The Wave over the next few weeks.

It has taken nine years of meticulous planning and £25million in funding in order to get the project to this stage.

The lagoon - recognised as England’s first-ever inland surfing lake - is due to open this November, and promises surfers the chance to ride up to 1,000 waves an hour.

But the project hasn’t been without its criticism, particularly regarding the prices it will charge for hourly surf lessons.

A beginner surfing lesson for an adult will cost £55, while for a lesson for someone under the age of sixteen will cost £45.

Craig Stoddart, who is chief executive at The Wave, said the prices are “affordable” when compared to having to drive several hours to a beach.