14 Essex beaches have been given the Marine Conservation Society's seal of approval.

The society publishes an annual list of beaches based on water quality and this year top "recommended" accolades were awarded to Thorpe Bay and Three Shells in Southend, Shoebburyness, Shoebury East, West Mersea, Brightlingsea, Jaywick, Martello Tower Clacton, Clacton, Holland, Frinton, Walton and Dovercourt Bay.

Three Shells Beach, Southend - one of 14 in the county to be recommended in the Marine Conservation Society's Good Beach Guide 2012

The survey is conducted by testing samples of water for potentially harmful bacteria, and rating the treatment of sewerage discharged near to the designated bathing areas.

To receive the Recommended accolade, 100 per cent of samples taken at that beach must meet the criteria.

The Marine Conservation Society surveys every designated bathing beach in the country, and this year 516 out of 754 made the grade - an increase of 8 per cent over last year.

MCS Coastal Pollution Officer, Rachel Wyatt, says the latest figures will be a boost to UK tourism. "This is a milestone for coastal resorts to be proud of."

She underlined however that the results are not a reason for complacency. "It's really important that local authorities, water companies and environmental regulators don't become complacent and take their collective feet off the pedal of continued environmental improvements.

"If that happens we could see a drop in the number of beaches recommended by us in the future, which could pose a risk to the great reputation that British beaches have."

You can read more about how the MCS compile their report Here

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MatthewWard published Essex beaches make the grade