Work has started on the construction of the northern hemisphere's first artificial surf reef at Boscombe, near Bournemouth, Dorset.

The first 50m x 50m section of the £2.68m reef was laid on the seabed at the end of August, and will make up one-sixth of the reef's volume.

A barge was used to transport the reef section from Poole to its location, 225m from the shore, before the 16 geo-bags that comprise the section were winched down to the seabed and tied in place by divers.

New Zealand-based marine consultant and designer ASR is carrying out the work, and the reef's construction manager, David Neilson, said: "After years of planning, its very exciting to get to this stage. If we have consistently good weather, we should get the reef completed by the end of October."

Once complete, the reef will produce a right-hand ride of 75m, increasing the number of surfing days at Boscombe. The reef has been designed to provide a grade-5 wave on a day with good swell, and on calm days will create a lagoon along the shoreline to ensure safe, flat conditions for beach users.

The reef is part of a wider £9.66m Boscombe Spa Regeneration Project, funded by Bournemouth Borough Council. Councillor Beverley Dunlop said: "It has taken 10 years to get to this point. This regeneration project is unique and innovative, and is turning Boscombe into a fantastic place to live and visit.

"The surf reef will turn Bournemouth into a centre for water sports, as it will be a free facility to be enjoyed by surfers, snorkellers, windsurfers and divers."

Photo: Bournemouth Tourism