MORE North East beaches than ever have been given a top rating in an annual water quality survey.

Twenty-nine beaches, up from 20 last year, are among the highest number of beaches to be recommended in 25-year history of the Marine Conservation Societys Good Beach Guide.

The guide has recommended 516 out of 754 UK beaches tested last summer as having excellent water quality ... 8% more than last year.

The societys North East England region, which includes Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, is the best performing region in the Good Beach Guide this year, with 53 out of 64 (83%) beaches recommended by MCS for excellent water quality.

Recommended beaches in the North East include Marsden and South Shields, Tynemouth King Edwards Bay, Tynemouth Long Sands South and North, Cullercoats, Whitley Bay, Seaton Sluice, Blyth South Beach, Seaham Hall and Seaham Beach

Also in the list are Newbiggin South and North, Druridge Bay North and South, Amble Links, Warkworth, Beadnell Bay, Seahouses North, Bamburgh Castle.

Although Roker and Seaburn in Sunderland passed the top guideline water quality level, the beaches have not been recommended. The society said this was because of question marks over discharges from sewage overflow outlets.

Beaches in the North East which improved on last year were Cullercoats, Seaton Sluice, Blyth and Saltburn, Seaton Carew and Crimdon.

Low Newton and Spittal in Northumberland were recommended in 2011, but failed this year.

The society uses more stringent criteria than just the guideline water standard.

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North East beaches given top rating in water survey