Up to 16 firms are needed to sign up to the work programme, which has been tailored for smaller civil engineering firms.

Each package will typically be worth up to £250,000, although over the four years programme up to £30m will be spent on coastal and river defences in the region.

A variety of work will be covered varying from replacement of rock armour and strengthening embankments to repairing concrete structures, timber and sheet piling.

Further information is available from email: mathew.holliday@environment-agency.gov.uk or tel: p1132312338