Thousands of homes in Kent have been protected from future flooding following repairs to the battered defences along the coastline.

The Enviromnent Agency has been granted more than £250 million to restore the damage created throughout the country following the severe storms and flooding this past winter.

In Hythe, repairs have been made to the Hythe Ranges after the sea defences were breached.

The work has reduced the risk of flooding to 68 mobile homes, 21 residential properties and the A259.

Environment Agency staff also carried out emergency works to shore up the defences and reduce the risk of flooding to thousands of homes across Romney Marsh.

In total more than 40,000 tonnes of shingle was returned along this stretch of the coastline.

Flooding Minister, Dan Rogerson, said: "Our flood defences took a battering over the winter but we are getting on with the job of repairing them.

"We want to see our flood defences back up to full working conditions which is why we have provided the Environment Agency with an additional £270 million to fix and maintain them over the next two years."

In total, the Agency inspected more than 150,000 flood risk management assets in the wake of the winter's severe weather.

Repairs have already been make to 350 areas, restoring protecting to 115,000 homes.

A further 650 assets have repairs planned or underway, to restore protection to a further 180,000 properties.

Over 200 members of the armed forces were called in to help the Agency with inspections and repairs.

Dr Paul Leinster, Environment Agency chief executive, said: "Many of the flood risk management assets damaged in the extreme weather since December have already been repaired, restoring protection, and peace of mind, to many communities across the country.

"But there is still much more to do, and thanks to the completed inspections we now have a full picture of the condition of all the flood risk management assets across the country.

"We have prioritised the most urgent repairs."

Minister for the Armed Forces, Mark Francois, added: "Military personnel have played a vital role in flood relief efforts alongside counterparts from local authorities, emergency services and other Government departments.

"We are proud to be able to make a contribution and will remain on hand to provide assistance where necessary."