Surfers ride 'biggest ever' waves at Nazare during St Jude's Day storm

Extraordinary images show surfers from around the world hitting the the Praia do Norte beach in Portugal

While most people took shelter from the St Jude's Day storm that battered Britain and other parts of Europe, surfers made the most of the extreme weather.

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Brazilians Carlos Burle and Maya Gabeira, and English surfer Andrew Cotton were among the surfers riding the waves at the Praia do Norte, Portugal.

The fishing village of Nazare on Portugal's Atlantic coast is a favourite with surfers thanks to its huge waves and it is thought that Burle rode the biggest wave ever surfed yesterday.

However, it wasn't all positive, Gabeira fell while trying to surf a big wave and nearly drowned. The Brazilian surfer had to be rescued and resuscitated on the beach. She was then taken to hospital with a broken ankle but is reportedly doing well otherwise.

The St Jude's storm has wreaked havoc across Europe, killing at least 13 people, causing damage and power cuts, as well as major travel disruption.