MORE than a dozen beaches in East Anglia have been awarded coveted Blue Flags for clean water and litter-free sand, it was announced today.The region has scooped no fewer than 18 Blue Flags, with many resorts receiving more than one.

By Danielle Nuttall

MORE than a dozen beaches in East Anglia have been awarded coveted Blue Flags for clean water and litter-free sand, it was announced today.

The region has scooped no fewer than 18 Blue Flags, with many resorts receiving more than one.

Blue Flag awards, organised by the Foundation for Environmental Education, are only presented to beaches which offer good access, good facilities, litter-free sand and clean sea water.

This year's recipients include Felixstowe South, Lowestoft (north of Claremont Pier), Southwold, Lowestoft (south of Claremont Pier), Brightlingsea, Dovercourt Bay, Great Yarmouth (Gorleston) and Great Yarmouth central.

Clacton's Martello Bay received its first Blue Flag ever while Southend was awarded four, for Jubilee Beach, Shoebury Common, Shoeburyness East, and Three Shells.

Nigel Tansley-Thomas, Blue Flag director for the East of England, said: “British people make nearly 300million trips to their coast each year and are increasingly attracted to Blue Flag beaches because they offer cleaner sand and seawater and better facilities.

“Visitors look for a quality mark so I would urge all those beaches that haven't entered the award or have been unable to meet its strict criteria to strive harder - or risk being left behind.”

Tom Wright, chief executive of national tourism agency VisitBritain, added: “The sheer variety of our beaches is a major appeal for visitors - whether it's gorgeous stretches of sand or pebbly shores for fossil-hunting, both are ideal for time-off with the kids or groups of friends.”