A £19.8 million repair scheme to protect Torcross from further storm damage is set to begin next week.

The scheme will see almost 90,000 tons of new rock armour placed on the shoreline to better protect the Torcross community by reducing the energy of waves hitting the shore.

The Environment Agency scheme will also reinstate the damaged defences at the car park and extend the slipway.

The massive engineering project has now secured all the consents and licences from the Marine Management Organisation and the Local Planning Authority following consultation with all the relevant organisations, including Natural England.

The first rock delivery is expected next week, subject to weather conditions.

The Environment Agency said that, just under 60,000 tonnes of rock will arrive by sea, and a further 30,000 tonnes of smaller material will be transported by road.

George Arnison, Environment Agency project lead, said: "We're really pleased to have got to this critical point where we have the green light to start construction. I'd like to acknowledge the huge amount of work that's gone into getting the project to this stage so quickly, much of which is invisible to the public.

"I'd like to thank the team and all those who have been involved and supported the project, and the community for their patience over the last 7 months."

The project will progress at an accelerated pace with Kier Infrastructure appointed to deliver the vital engineering works.

Philip Ramsay, operations director, Kier Infrastructure, said: "The collaborative effort has ensured that we can now start construction in October.

“Our teams will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency and local community to deliver a successful outcome that will protect Torcross for generations to come."