A sea scout group has been awarded nearly £80,000 in funding after floods devastated its site.

The 5th Worcester Sea Scout Group is to receive £76,254 to repair flood damage to the slipway and banks of the River Severn, and will also use the money to construct a flood barrier and floodlighting, as well as installing disabled access.

Robert Sidley, group scout leader, said: "It's a massive relief to receive this money, and everyone is delighted with it.

"The floods caused real damage, and at one point the water levels were that high the slipway into the water was almost completely covered, so we couldn't use it, neither could emergency services.

"We were all feeling tense before this, as we knew river levels were rising again and it was nail biting knowing we were going into flood times again, not having the defences to protect ourselves.

"The money now means we are safe from that, and we can get it all fixed get the flood defences up, and kids back on the water again."

The damage caused by floods meant the scout group, which is attended by around 130 children aged from six to 14, were not always able to put on activities in the summer, and even had to pay use other facilities.

Mr Sidley says this put financial strain on the group, so the ability to host their activities again has come at the right time.

"While we are grateful to be able to use other facilities, it could not have gone on forever, as it meant we needed to pay more money.

"As we are all volunteers it was a real strain" he said.

The sea group, based in Northwick, is being awarded the National Lottery funding fromSport England's Flood Relief Fund.

Partnership funding from the Worcester Council Divisional Fund, Worcester Lions, Rotary Club and British Legion has also been awarded.

Jennie Price, Chief Executive of Sport England, says: “The storms and floods devastated many sports facilities across England.

"We want to play our part in helping communities get back to normal, and we are delighted to be able to get this emergency funding to the 5th Worcester Sea Scout Group to help it get back up and running as soon as possible.’

The work is planned to start in the New Year, but exact start and finish dates are subject to weather and flood levels.