A long-awaited wakeboarding and aqua park is gearing up to open as new aerial shots show the extent of the site.

The organisers say the installation is almost finished and the time to receive its first customers at Sandwich, is nearing.

The organisers Whitemills Water and Aqua Park say on their website: "The Aqua Park installation is almost finished.

"With just a few more finishing touches we need to add to the park we are getting closer and closer to opening our doors for you all to come and try."

The centre will have a range of activities such as open water swimming and stand up paddle boarding with special sessions such as ladies' mornings and a kids' club.

There will also be wakeboarding – a water sport evolving from water skiing, snowboarding and surfing.

The rider stands on a wakeboard – a short board with foot bindings – and is towed by a motorboat while performing aerial manoeuvres.

The park will have a five-tower ski cable system on a purpose-built lake, which can be used by beginners and the experienced.

Described as a floating playground with inflatable climbing frames and slides, the centre, on the corner of Ash Road and the A256 Sandwich Bypass, will also have a lakeside restaurant.

Those using the aqua park must be able to swim at least 25 metres unaided and children aged up to 15 must be with an adult.

Construction began at the centre in January after 18 months of planning.

The project is the brainchild of Wayne Cooper from Ash and James Bird from Birchington.

Elsewhere in the district, plans have been revealed for a Wave Garden surfing experience to open at Betteshanger Park.

It would be similar to The Wave in Bristol, which is described as "an inland surf destination that allows people to surf on consistent safe waves all year round without going to the sea".

The site in Bristol includes a 180m surfing lagoon that can generate up to 1,000 waves per hour, ranging from 50cm (1.7ft) to almost 2m (6.5ft) in height.