A tourist attraction where visitors flock to watch rare breeds of birds hopes to open its doors this summer after repairs to major flood damage.

The impact of torrential winter rain is still being felt at the Wildfowl Trust's reserve at Arundel which remains closed to the public after its visitor centre and grounds were engulfed by floodwater last November.

But manager David Julian is hoping to reopen the doors at some stage during the summer holidays after coping with damage costing an estimated £400,000.

The reserve was forced to close after the visitor centre was badly flooded, damaging carpets and electrical fittings with condensation affecting the ceiling.

Inside the grounds the water was up to 4ft deep and, while it may have looked perfect for ducks, it was far from the case.

Mr Julian said: "Wildfowl like water but not in such quantities."

His staff had to use boats to feed the birds, many of which found it difficult to cope because they are more used to rocky conditions than water.

Some birds, such as the magpie geese, had to be rounded up and transported to the trust's headquarters at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire because they do not have webbed feet.

Other species, like Hawaiian geese, found themselves roosting on floating benches which the tourists normally sit on to admire the view.

Now the grounds of the centre have been reopened at weekends but admission is only available to trust members.

Mr Julian said: "It is members only at present because we do not have the facilities to offer the paying public but we are making major progress and plan to open again at some stage during the summer holidays.

"Fortunately the building was insured and we are also covered against loss of revenue."

Mr Julian said the new-look visitor centre would be as "flood friendly" as possible when the tourists are welcomed back.

The building is being rewired from the ceiling down instead of from the floor upwards and wooden easy-to-mop floors will replace the carpeting.

Many fixtures and fittings will also be on castors so they can be quickly wheeled to safety and extra pumping equipment will also be on hand.