Kent's coastline is set to change - with multi-million pound schemes to shore up sea defences.

At Sandwich, the Environment Agency has announced a £20m scheme to reduce the risk of tidal flooding for nearly 500 households, the Discovery Park and surrounding areas.

The plans include:

14km of raised defences on both banks of the Stour

A new tidal flood relief area

• A new flood wall at Sandwich Quay

Meanwhile in Deal, a new-look seafront is set to take shape this summer.

A £7m project will change the face of the prom, especially south of the pier with a wave wall measuring 0.85m - nearly 3ft tall - from the pier towards the fishing boats near Deal Castle.

Project manager Alastair Pitcher from the Environment Agency said: "Consultations have been held in the community for two years and the overall scheme will give better protection to the town, as well as more than 1,400 properties in Deal.

"People walking along the prom will still see the sea beside the new wave walls and there will be maximum free-flow space for cyclists.

"At some of our drop-in sessions some people objected initially to the wave wall, but we showed our drawings and explained to them and were told they liked what we are trying to do.

"Some businesses have said they would rather see the wall and be protected and most people described the project as brilliant. This work will enhance the town."

When completed, the new-look seafront will be resurfaced from Deal Castle to the car park next to the Royal Hotel.

Work is expected to start in September and be finished in the spring, with the project split into three.