A FOUR-STRONG team has been appointed in the North-East to help tackle flooding in the North-East.

The Environment Agency has appointed four engagement officers to help communities be more resilient to the affects of floods.

The £280,000 a year project sees one officer each dedicated focusing on the issue in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Durham and Darlington, and Cleveland.

Funded by the Northumbria Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (NRFCC) for the next four years, the officers will work alongside partner organisations.

Phil Taylor, of the Environment Agency, said: “We’ve seen over the last few years alone just how devastating flooding can be for communities, so it’s positive news that Northumbria RFCC has agreed to fund these dedicated officers to provide direct support to communities.”

The project will see officers helping businesses and residents to understand their risk of flooding and ensuring those in flood risk areas are signed up to receive free flood warnings.

They will aid communities to prepare for flooding, such as supporting them to develop community flood plans and recruiting volunteer Flood Wardens.

To find out more about your local flood risk and sign up to the Flood Warning Service visit www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk