Work is underway to install flood defences at a village in County Durham.

Teesside-based Wilton Engineering has manufactured the defences to act as a removable section of flood defence along the front of its site in Port Clarence.

The first sections of the demountable defences have already been installed.

The work is part of the Environment Agency's £3m flood alleviation scheme designed to lessen the flood risk to around 350 homes and 32 businesses.

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Work already completed includes raising a 35m section of the road on the approach to the Transporter Bridge, which was previously a flooding issue, by around half a metre.

Flood embankments to the east and west of the Wilton site have also been developed.

Project Manager Chris Milburn said: "Work on the Port Clarence Flood Alleviation Scheme is progressing well with some key works, such as road raising and flood embankments, complete.

"We're now working on the next part of the scheme, with Wilton Engineering fabricating the defences as the start of construction of the demountable defence begins.

"This aspect is unusual in that it will be a section of removable defence along the River Tees which will protect Wilton and the local community, but also means Wilton Engineering is still able to operate from the river."

(LM/CD)