Extra high tides, known as spring tides, have flowed onto quaysides and changed the waterways across the Norfolk coast this week.

Fakenham & Wells Times: A wind farm support boat leaves Wells harbour during high tide PICTURE: Matthew FarmerA wind farm support boat leaves Wells harbour during high tide PICTURE: Matthew Farmer (Image: Archant)

In Wells, boats were visible from behind the sand dunes as they navigated a twisting route out to sea. Walkways in front of the coastwatch hut were flooded by sea water, and beach-goers paddled across the gantry to reach the sands.

Spring tides happen at least once a month, but are greatest in March and September, at times known as the equinoxes. When they overlap with a full or new moon, tides can reach record levels.

On August 30, a new moon came at its orbit's closest point to Earth, making it a super moon, and increasing the spring tide's height. The next spring tide falls on September 30, and is predicted to be slightly greater than the ones this weekend.

Extra high tides are followed by the lowest tides, before they move toward their point of smallest difference, known as a neap tide.