A new state-of-the-art vehicle is being trialled across Essex in efforts to reduce flood risks to homes and businesses across the county.

Truxor has been designed by the Environment Agency to cut the vegetation in water channels, which enables flood water to drain from settlements quicker.

It is designed to work on the channel bed and while afloat, and decisions on where to cut are prioritised based on flood risk in a particular area.

Truxor has recently been tested at river sections in Heybridge, Maldon, and in Kelvedon, after being trialled in Norfolk.

David Simpson, flood-risk supervisor in the Chelmer and the Blackwater rivers, said: "Truxor has proved to be a very beneficial piece of equipment.

"It is making a real difference in helping to reduce the flood risk to communities across the area.

"Climate change is happening now. We're seeing more extreme weather, with an increase in flooding, coastal erosion and landslips.

That's why we advise people should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings at https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk."

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You can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.