Torbay’s beaches have once again been recognised as amongst the best in the UK and England.

 This year environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy have announced that of the 125 Seaside Awards nationally, ten have been awarded in Torbay. This is the same as last year. Three of these beaches - Meadfoot, Oddicombe and Breakwater, have also been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Awards.

 In total 65 beaches across Britain have been awarded the Blue Flag, an impressive 26 of these are in the South West.

 The 10 beaches which have won Seaside Awards are:

• Anstey's Cove
• Breakwater Beach
• Broadsands Beach
• Goodrington Sands
• Maidencombe Beach
• Meadfoot Beach
• Oddicombe Beach
• Paignton Sands
• Preston Sands
• Torre Abbey Sands

The Seaside Award is Keep Britain Tidy’s own award. It recognises and rewards beaches in England that achieve the highest standards of beach management and, in the case of bathing beaches, meet the required mandatory standards for water quality.

Beaches awarded with coveted Blue Flags have water quality which exceeds these standards. To be awarded a Blue Flag - an internationally recognised award - beaches must comply with a number of criteria covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, safety and services.

Torbay’s Elected Mayor Gordon Oliver said: “Winning ten Seaside Awards and three Blue Flag Awards is excellent news for the Bay. These awards really highlight the great work of our Resort Services team, who always ensure our visitors and residents alike can enjoy our wonderful beaches with the confidence that they are clean, well-managed and safe places to spend time and have fun.

“I would also like to thank Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts for their support, which has meant we have been able to continue entering these awards. This enables us to continue to show that in Torbay we are at the forefront of beach management in the UK.”

Pippa Craddock, Director of Marketing & Development for Living Coasts and Paignton Zoo, said: “Once again Living Coasts and Paignton Zoo are delighted to support the Beach Awards & Blue Flag scheme in Torbay. These awards are important to the whole resort, they show visitors that our beaches are clean and safe. Our beautiful beaches are great assets and tremendous attractions.

“Having clean beaches links to the vital marine conservation work carried out by Living Coasts. Living Coasts is holding a series of beach cleans this summer, including on the 16 June at Goodrington Beach and 21 July at Breakwater Beach.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton said:  “The success of the 148 beaches in reaching the very high standards demanded by both awards is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our beaches - from beach managers and volunteers to local people and businesses.

“When you enjoy a trip to a beach flying an international Blue Flag or Seaside Award, you know you are on one of the safest, cleanest and very best in the country.”