Work has started on a £156,000 emergency project to lengthen an outfall pipe on Goring beach to help prevent flooding in the village.

The outfall, which allows rainwater to flow out to sea during wet weather, has been prone to blocking by shingle.

The work, which is being carried out now to prevent further flooding during the wet winter season, is being co-ordinated with low tides.

The outfall is being lengthened by up to 12m and will be fitted with marker beacons, grills and turned ends for increased safety.

Timber supports have already been put in place using a drilling rig.

Southern Water engineer John Challoner said: "We are pleased to have started work on this project to extend the outfall, which should significantly reduce flooding in the area during bad weather.

"The outfalls have been blocked by shingle and in order to avoid flooding this winter we have acted to carry out the work as an emergency measure."

The work is taking place at the end of Sea Place and is designed to alleviate flooding, particularly in the Marine Crescent and Alinora Crescent areas.

The scheme, which is being carried out by Nuttal Hynes on behalf of Soutern Water, is due to be completed early next year.