EIGHT beaches in the North East have been awarded Blue Flags for their water quality and top notch facilities.

The first class beaches are Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, Roker and Seaburn in Sunderland, Sandhaven at South Shields and in North Tyneside King Edwards Bay, Longsands South, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay.

The Blue Flag is the internationally recognised benchmark standard for beaches and is based on accessibility, cleanliness and lifeguard services, as well as water quality. The beaches have also been given Quality Coast Awards for beach management. England is now ranked in the worlds top 10 countries for having the most Blue Flag beaches out of 46 countries taking part in the Blue Flag scheme.

The awards follow top ratings earlier this month 29 beaches in the North East which were recommended in the Marine Conservation Societys Good Beach Guide.

Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy which is responsible for the Blue Flag scheme in England and the Quality Coast Awards said: We urge more holidaymakers to take advantage of the North Easts award-winning seaside resorts this summer.

Its great to see that beaches along our coastline have achieved high standards of excellence for visitors. With eight beaches in the region receiving both Blue Flags and Quality Coast Awards, what better way to holiday in the North East than to visit one of these local award-winning beaches?

John Kelly, portfolio holder for safer city and culture on Sunderland City Council said: It is always great news for everyone in the city and all our many visitors that Blue Flags continue to fly proudly over both Roker and Seaburn beaches this summer. These flags also recognise the hard work of council staff in maintaining the seafront and beaches for residents and visitors.

Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside qualified for a Blue Flag after narrowly missing the water quality standard last year. The council responded by capping an old culvert, which was considered to be the source of the potential contamination.

North Tyneside Mayor Linda Arkley said: This is fantastic news. Tourism is worth over 240m to the local economy and we know that our coastline is the main reason people come here.

Thats why were so delighted to have a full complement of beach awards.

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Eight North East beaches awarded Blue Flags