GOVERNMENT cash is being pumped into a number of projects to help protect people, homes and businesses from flooding.

A total of £650,000 is to be invested into "natural flood management schemes" in Yorkshire, said Floods Minster Thérèse Coffey.

Much of the cash will go towards projects to benefit properties within the Upper Ure and Bishopdale - Wensleydale - and Brompton-on-Swale catchments.

And £50,000 will go towards the Derwent Villages projectto reduce flood risk to 263 homes around Hovingham, East Gilling, Sinnington and Thornton-le-Dale.

Natural flood management techniques, such as creating wetlands, restoring bogs and reintroducing river bends to slow the flow of water, were pioneered in the successful Pickering "Slowing the Flow" scheme.

They should also have multiple environmental benefits – such as improving water quality and restoring habitats and preserving uplands as green spaces.

Communities affected will be consulted by the Environment Agency, who will be carrying out the work.