Torbay’s beaches have cleaned up in a national awards scheme.
The region has scooped a total of 15 awards in the Keep Britain Tidy ratings – more than any other area in the country.
Blue Flags have been awarded again for Oddicombe, Meadfoot, Paignton, Broadsands and Breakwater while Quality Coast Awards have been given to Maidencombe, Oddicombe, Meadfoot, Preston, Broadsands, Ansteys Cove, Torre Abbey Sands, Paignton, Goodrington and Breakwater.
The awards are only given after the water meets tough quality standards, tested by the Environment Agency. Beaches also have to pass strict criteria on a number of aspects of beach management including safety access, facilities on offer, good litter management and bathing water quality.
Cllr Jeanette Richards, of Torbay Council, said: “Our beaches are fantastic and this very prestigious, global recognition puts us well and truly on the map.
“As the recession continues, more and more people are expected to holiday in this country and these awards will hopefully encourage them to choose Torbay this summer and enjoy the high quality beaches we have here.
“Our team works incredibly hard to keep all our beaches around Torbay well managed, clean and safe, and the fact that locals and tourists enjoy our beaches so much is proof they are excellent.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the staff as well as the Beach Team who are involved in maintaining such high standards including the litter pickers, beach rake tractor driver and the toilet attendants.”
A total of 11 of the beaches have also been recommended in the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Beach Guide.