A van driver was left literally high and dry during the unusually high spring tides that hit the north Norfolk coast earlier this week. 

This incredible drone image was captured by Dereham-based photographer Paul Stearman, at Thornham on Sunday. 

North Norfolk News: The Coal Barn at Thornham during an unusually high tideThe Coal Barn at Thornham during an unusually high tide (Image: Paul Stearman)

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It shows a van on a dry patch of land next to a building off Staithe Lane known as the Coal Barn, while a pair of paddleboarders enjoy the water nearby. 

Mr Stearman, 66, said: “It was lucky the water didn’t go any higher. When the tide gets really high, it covers the whole marsh.

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North Norfolk News: Thornham Harbour on the north Norfolk coast during an unusually high tideThornham Harbour on the north Norfolk coast during an unusually high tide (Image: Paul Stearman)

“The other thing that affects it is the wind - when you have strong winds blowing off the sea it drives the water in and can raise the level higher than anticipated.”

Mr Stearman said the scene was an illustration of how treacherous the tides could be, and advised anyone visiting low-lying areas along the coast to check tide times. 

North Norfolk News: Thornham Harbour on the north Norfolk coast during an unusually high tideThornham Harbour on the north Norfolk coast during an unusually high tide (Image: Paul Stearman)

Similar high tides are expected between September 30 and October 2.

A recently retired wedding photographer, Mr Stearman’s work can be followed on Instagram at @paulstearmanphotography.