Work has started on a £156,000 emergency project to lengthen outfall pipes on beaches to help prevent flooding in West Sussex towns.

Outfalls in Goring and Bognor, which allow rainwater to flow out to sea during rainy weather, have been prone to blocking by shingle.

The work is being carried out to prevent further flooding during the wet winter season.

Outfalls are 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.

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

"The outfalls have been blocked by shingle and to avoid flooding this winter, we are carrying out the work as an emergency measure."

In Goring, 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 of town.

In Bognor, the outfalls are situated off Nyewood Lane, Albert Road and the Regis Centre.

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