Two of its three pairs of tidal gates, known as eyes because they open and close, were rendered inoperable by the December storm surge.

Temporary dam boards were installed in the aftermath of the event to prevent further damage and ensure the continued flood protection of communities as far inland as Ely and Cambridge.

Julie Foley, area manager for the Environment Agency said: 'The gates are an integral part of the flood defences which protect people and property from flooding in the area.

'The tidal surge which caused the damage was the most significant tidal surge in 60 years - it severely tested the flood defences along the whole of the East Coast. It's good to get the sluice back in full working order.'

Damaged gates were lifted out and taken away to be repaired in June. The Environment Agency used divers to carry out a full inspection of the sluice and complete other minor maintenance repairs.

The sluice gates were dropped back into place earlier this week and now the gates are back in full working order. The works, costing £60,000, were completed by AMCO on behalf of the Environment Agency.

A sluice has stood where the Ten Mile Ouse meets the tidal river since the Mid-17th Century. It opens to allow water from inland to flow out to sea, but closes when the tide comes in to prevent water levels rising and the risk of flooding further upstream.