27 September 2012 Last updated at 09:45 ET

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Up to a quarter of Welsh beaches are "at risk" of losing their Blue Flag award next year

Almost a third of Wales' blue flag beaches could be stripped of their status due to the poor summer weather.

Environment Agency Wales (EAW) said the wettest UK summer in 100 years has resulted in a rise in bacteria levels in the water due to sewage pollution.

Businesses have expressed fear of a drop in trade if the blue flag status of their local beach is lost.

From next year, new rules will see water quality for blue flags assessed over four years rather than one.

The blue flag award is issued by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which rates beaches on categories including facilities, environmental management, water quality and all-round cleanliness.

The heavy rain this summer has not only caused significant flooding and problems for farmers and tourism, it has also affected bathing waters at some of our beaches

Forty three beaches and five marinas in Wales earned the status in 2012, two more than in 2011.

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Blue flag fears after poor summer