An eco-friendly alternative to the sandbag is in the running to become the flood defender’s weapon of choice in the fight against rising tides and uncontrollable river levels.

The Hydrosack, created by inventor David Sallon, absorbs up to 20 litres of water in three minutes. Saturated, the internal components crystallise and the sack gains the equivalent weight of a normal sandbag. The effect lasts six months.

According to Mr Sallon disposal is simple as the pulp and absorbent polymer used to create each sack can be tipped onto earth safely and without harming the environment.

“With the latest inclement weather, we really feel for the people who are losing their homes and belongings to this severe flooding,” he said.

“Distressingly, we can see that sandbags are not helping in these extreme cases. Consumer sales of our products are increasing, but we’ve been very disappointed by the response of councils throughout the UK.”