Yaverland beach is one of the Isle of Wight beaches to win a Blue Flag award. Picture by Robin Crossley. <\/p>\n
THE Isle of Wight is king of the 'sand castle for top beaches. <\/p>\n
The Isle of Wight reaffirmed its crown as the countrys number one destination for quality beaches after retaining its four Blue Flags and 13 Seaside Awards received in 2013. <\/p>\n
The prestigious Blue Flag scheme and Seaside Awards which were previously known as Quality Coast Awards are run by the Keep Britain Tidy Group. <\/p>\n
The Blue Flag acts as a guarantee to tourists that a beach or marina they are visiting is one of the best in the world. <\/p>\n
Sandown, Ventnor, Yaverland and Colwell beaches have all retained their Blue Flags as well as being given Seaside Awards. <\/p>\n
Other beaches to receive the accolade were Cowes, East Cowes, Springvale, Seagrove, Gurnard, Ryde East, St Helens, Totland and Shanklin. <\/p>\n
All the award-winning beaches have been rewarded for their fantastic facilities, cleanliness and, in the case of the Blue Flag awards, meeting the highest international standard of water quality. <\/p>\n
Isle of Wight Council executive member for tourism Cllr Shirley Smart said: \"Yet again the Isle of Wight comes out top in the prestigious Blue Flags and Seaside Awards scheme which is excellent news. <\/p>\n
\"With the increase in tourists we have seen over the last year, this can only further enhance the Islands reputation as a top holiday destination.\" <\/p>\n
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Waving the flag for Isle of Wight beaches<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Yaverland beach is one of the Isle of Wight beaches to win a Blue Flag award. Picture by Robin Crossley. Continue reading