A FLOOD prevention scheme in the Tyne Valley has been recognised with a national award.

The Tyne Green Flood Alleviation Scheme, in Hexham, was selected as the best community partnership project.

The scheme received the award at the Flood and Coast Conference in Telford last week.

Residents, led by Keith Hutton, saw an opportunity to protect themselves by pooling their flood grant funding following Storm Desmond.

Coun. Nick Oliver, Northumberland’s representative on the Regional Flood Commission, said: “The Regional Flood and Coastal Commission provided some financial support but the hard work was done by the residents, the council flood team, the Environment Agency and Network Rail. It’s a well deserved winner.”

The news comes just days after the Tynedale Flood Forum, organised by Hexham MP Guy Opperman.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Tyne Rivers Trust, parish councillors, and residents.

Updates on ongoing work to protect the county from floods like the ones caused by Desmond were given by the Environment Agency, Northumbrian Water, and Northumberland County Council.

Leila Huntington, area flood and coastal risk manager for the Environment Agency North-East, said: “The flood forum was a real success.

“It was a great opportunity to update communities on the positive steps being taken by the Environment Agency, Northumberland County Council and Northumbrian Water to manage flood risk from all sources in the Tyne Valley.

“Working with partners and communities is key in reducing the risk of flooding. It was great to receive feedback and suggestions on how we can improve things in the future.”