A £78 million roads boost has been handed to Worcestershire - in what council chiefs are today describing as a "great Christmas present".

The Government has announced its first ever six-year funding deal for local authorities around the country to tackle potholes, divots and cracks in battered highways networks.

Between next spring and 2021, Worcestershire will get a record £78.3 million, which will be handed across in yearly instalments.

The cash works out at around £12 million to £15 million per year, which the county council will be able to top up with its own funds if the Conservative leadership wishes.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways, said today: "This is absolutely fantastic news, I'm really pleased.

"I was at a Midlands highways forum at The Hive last week and someone from the Department for Transport said 'I wouldn't be surprised to see a new announcement on highways funding before the end of the year'.

"It will certainly help us a lot, it's a great Christmas present."

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced Worcestershire's funding this morning as part of a record £512 million for the West Midlands by 2021.

He said by offering councils six-year deals, they can plan ahead and should be able to save money.

"Roads play a significant part in everyday life," he said.

"Poorly maintained local roads, blighted by potholes, are a menace to all road users, particularly during the festive period as people travel to see family and friends.

"It is vital we have good quality roads.

"This Government has already taken strong action by spending £1 billion more on local roads maintenance than was spent in the previous parliament.

"The £512 million for the West Midlands will put an end to short term fixes and will mean we have committed £10 billion between 2010 and 2021."

It comes six months after Prime Minister David Cameron praised the council's investment into trying to tackle potholes, saying it ranks near the top nationally for its focus on the scourge.

At the time, the Government handed the authority a one-off £3.3 million boost from a £168 nationwide package towards potholes this winter.

It has also emerged today that £578 million has been put aside for a new fund, due to launch in 2016, for councils who can demonstrate value for money in carrying out cost effective improvements.

Matthew Lugg, director of public services for Mouchel Infrastructure Services and advocate for the Highways Agency’s M5 investment programme said: "Taking a more holistic approach to planning roads and services can be game changing and deliver greater efficiencies.

"Councils who think about long term planning and how they work together to share their resources, achieve greater economies of scale and keep the road surface in good repair, ensuring value for money for the taxpayer.

"Today’s announcement by the Government will help to deliver this."

Regular surveys by the county council show how the public see roads as the second biggest priority for Worcestershire, after social care for adults and children.

In recent years, despite public satisfaction remaining stubbornly low, record amounts have been spent on the network.