WORK to replace more than 100 beach huts wrecked in a storm nearly three years ago is progressing at Milford on Sea.

The concrete structures were ripped apart by 80mph winds that battered the area on Valentine's Day in 2014 and had to be demolished in the interests of public safety

As well as constructing 119 concrete beach huts the project will include rebuilding and widening the lower promenade, constructing a new sea wall, extending the upper promenade out over the new huts to incorporate a public walkway and improving access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Overall the project will cost £2.3 million – almost double the original estimate - with work being carried out by Ringwood company Raymond Brown Construction Ltd.

Most of the new concrete structures are now in place and decorative panels are being installed, says New Forest District Council

A spokesman said the once installed they are being covered to protect them until the end of the build - which is expected to be April this year.

"The first of the terrace end panels have also been installed and these feature an attractive design reflecting the flotsam and jetsam found along our coast," added the spokesman.

"Objects including shells, pebbles and driftwood were collected and arranged in the shape of a fossilised ammonite. A rubber mould of the design was then created from which the final concrete panels were cast.

"Over the next few weeks the construction team will continue adding the front panels, and when they are all in place the painted doors will be installed meaning the huts will be largely completed externally.

"A further layer of concrete will then be added to finish off the lower prom."

The steps, which will be installed behind the huts to provide seating and access to the walkway along the top of the huts, have also been arriving on site.