Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy is presenting 208 awards to England’s very best beaches, including 71 international Blue Flags and 137 Seaside Awards, with 52 beaches achieving both awards.

These include awards to Hastings Borough Council’s beaches at the Marina in St Leonards and Pelham Beach in Hastings.

The Beaches at Marina and Pelham join the country’s very best beaches, from popular holiday spots to quiet, more hidden-away spots. The common factor that unites them all is that they are clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as the tough international bathing water quality standards. The sea and the seafront at Hastings is loved by locals and visitors and keeping the beach clean and the bathing water of a high quality is a priority for the borough council.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “The success of the 156 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.”

Kevin Boorman, Marketing and Major Projects Manager said: “We are very grateful for the hard work of our colleagues and partners which has helped us win this prestigious award again. This award demonstrates that the quality of the bathing water and our beach facilities is amongst the best in the country.”