Torrential downpours combined with tidal surges saw flooding in Cornwall this week - but for one surfer it was the perfect opportunity to catch some inland waves. 

The Watering Hole in Perranporth shared footage on its social media page of the extent of the swollen river in the town, saying: "Never seen surges down the river like this before - last night was in full force."

The footage, filmed by director Timothy Job on Thursday evening, shows the vast amount of water surging down the swollen river.

However, for one person it was the perfect excuse to grab their surfboard and ride the inland waves.

Other premises in Perranporth also took to social media to share footage of the water, which caused flooding to some businesses.

No. 4 Breakfast & Bistro has thanked those who helped clear up after the flooding. It said: “Thank you so much for everyone’s help this evening.

“We have now cleared it all up, hopefully there was not too much damage made. We will assess again bright and early tomorrow and fingers crossed that was it.”

This week the Packet reported that the Environment Agency is urging the public to prepare for flooding over the winter months.

The agency will expand its flood warning service throughout Devon and Cornwall, with new flood area warnings going live to warn the public when flooding is expected to hit their area.

The Environment Agency is urging people to take three simple steps:

• Check your flood risk online

• Sign up for flood warnings

• Know what to do if flooding hits

Those at risk are encouraged to follow the advice to ‘Prepare. Act. Survive,’ specifically:

• If there is an initial flood alert – prepare by packing medicines and insurance and other important documents and visit the flood warning information service.

• If there is a confirmed flood warning – act by moving family, pets, and belongings to safety. Turn off gas, water, and electricity.

• If there is a severe flood warning – survive immediate danger by following the advice of emergency services or calling 999 if needed.

With just 30cm of flowing water being enough to float a car, drivers are also being warned not to attempt to drive through flood water and take extra precautions in wet weather.

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