TOURISM in East Anglia has received a huge boost after some of the region's most popular beaches qualified for Europe's top accolade.A total of 14 beaches in Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk received the ENCAM Blue Flag status that recognises the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, beach information, facilities and environmental management.

TOURISM in East Anglia has received a huge boost after some of the region's most popular beaches qualified for Europe's top accolade.

A total of 14 beaches in Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk received the ENCAM Blue Flag status that recognises the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, beach information, facilities and environmental management.

Suffolk recipients were Lowestoft beaches north and south of Claremont Pier, Southwold Pier, and Felixstowe South.

Three of Suffolk's award-winning beaches are in the north of the county.

Mayor of Lowestoft and senior member of Waveney District Council, Stephen Ardley, said: "The European Blue Flag is an accepted standard of excellence recognised all over the continent and it is absolutely brilliant that we have the flags flying at Lowestoft and Southwold.

"A lot of people have worked very hard to achieve this high standard and I would like to give particular thanks to the beach cleaners at both towns in Waveney who do a marvellous job."

In Essex the beaches to qualify for the 2005 Blue Flag were at Brightlingsea, Dovercourt Bay, Shoeburyness East, Shoebury Common and Southend Jubilee.

Terry Allen, leader of Tendring District Council, said: "This is a fantastic achievement. It proves how hard the council has worked to raise the quality and standards of its beaches in Tendring.

"The top grade blue flags that will fly at Brightlingsea and Dovercourt this year are bound to attract thousands of additional visitors to the district, and that should make everyone happy."

Blue Flag beaches in Norfolk are at Cromer, Mundesley, Sea Palling, Sheringham and Gorleston.

The big disappointment was at Great Yarmouth central which failed to keep the Blue Flag it achieved in 2004.

Nigel Tansley-Thomas, regional director of ENCAMS, said beaches in East Anglia more than matched those in other parts of Europe.

"Many of our resorts now offer fantastic facilities and a wide range of attractions and activities for everyone to enjoy.

"With excellent weather forecast for this summer, this is the ideal time for many families to re-discover the seaside and for our coast to compete on the world stage for visitors," he said.

Mr Tansley-Thomas said it was much easier for many people living in East Anglia to visit a Blue Flag beach than make long journey to a holiday airport.

The Blue Flag is organised by FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) and administered in England by Encams.

From today Blue Flags can be flown over award-winning beaches throughout Europe.