Repairs to Lowestoft's damaged sea wall are one step closer after a boat transporting rock from Norway began its journey across the North Sea.

Orinoco Pearl is carrying rock to protect the damaged seawall and promenade, and is due to arrive in Hopton today

Once in Hopton, it will be transported by barge to Lowestoft at each high tide, weather permitting, and distributed on the shore ready to be placed.

Waveney's Cabinet Member for Planning and Rural Affairs Councilllor David Ritchie said: 'We have experienced some significant delays in getting the rock delivered to the transhipment site and this has been frustrating for all involved.

'However, now that the delivery vessel has officially set sail, we know without doubt that the rock will be arriving very soon and the work to provide essential protection for the seawall can finally get underway.'

A temporary sand road will be created to allow machinery to access the eroded beach and put the rock in place.

Waveney District Council warned this early work will take place around the clock, without limits on working hours and may cause night-time noise and vibration.

Placing the rock into its final position will take place between 7am and 10pm Monday to Saturday. Piling work, which can cause vibration, will be limited to one week, yet to be confirmed and will be restricted to between 8am and 6pm.

Work will be restricted during Remembrance events on November 9 and 11.