Flooding caused damage and disruption in 1999 and 2000

The project is intended to protect businesses and hundreds of homes along the River Derwent in Malton, Norton and Old Malton.

It follows flooding in 1999 and 2000 which caused damage to more than 300 properties and disrupted the road and rail network.

The Environment Agency scheme includes a combination of hard defences, reinforced concrete walls with sheet steel cores and earth embankments.

The first stage was completed before Christmas, and finishing touches are now being put to the project.

Mr Morley said: "I visited Malton and Norton last year to see the start of construction work on this site.

"I am delighted to be back so quickly to see the completion of flood defences which will protect the people and property of this area.

"We can't eliminate flooding, we can't control nature, but we can work together to reduce risk."