Work has started to upgrade a Northumberland sewage treatment works.

Northumbrian Water is investing £2.5 million to install a storage tank at its Bellingham site to help protect and improve water quality in the River North Tyne.

The tank will store storm water and wastewater during heavy rainfall, ready for treatment when flows reduce, to help prevent environmental spills.

The project is expected to be substantially complete by the end of March 2025, with finalisation works on site continuing through the summer.

Jonathan Shaw, Northumbrian Water's project manager, said: "We know how important water quality in our rivers and coasts is to our customers and we share that passion.

"This project helps us to protect and improve water quality in the River North Tyne, as well as adding resilience to Bellingham Sewage Treatment Works itself."

The project is part of wider investment around the North Tyne area, including a £3.5 million project to triple capacity at Wark Sewage Treatment Works, which is close to completion.

Northumbrian Water has set up a project page on its community portal to keep customers informed of progress.

Mr Shaw said: "We are working to keep customers in the area, who will see our teams working on the outskirts of the village, informed as we progress.

"We would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding while we carry out this important work to protect the environment."

Updates on the project can be found at www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk