Seven beaches in Tendring have been handed prestigious awards by Keep Britain Tidy – including three Blue Flags.

Beaches along the Essex Sunshine Coast have today (Wednesday, 15 May) been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for 2024, including Frinton, Brightlingsea and Dovercourt Bay.

In addition, Harwich, Walton-on-the-Naze’s Albion and Naze beaches, and Martello Bay in Clacton, have all been given Seaside Awards in recognition of their quality.

Walton’s Albion Beach had previously held a Blue Flag award but was not entered by Tendring District Council (TDC) as water quality had been recorded as ‘good’ last year rather than ‘excellent’ following planned works to the local water network.

Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of TDC, said the awards recognised the beauty and quality of Tendring’s beaches.

“I’m delighted that our Essex Sunshine Coast has again been recognised for its beautiful beaches,” he said.

“We are proud of our coastline - it is a fabulous place for residents and visitors alike.

“Blue Flags and Seaside Awards show people that our beaches are some of the best in the country and, in line with Our Vision, help us to promote our heritage and environment, attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay longer.

“It is not easy to keep the Blue Flag status, and for reasons outside of our control we were not able to enter Walton’s Albion beach this year, but will look to do so next year should conditions allow.”

The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are aimed at improving the quality of England’s coastline and promoting the country’s best beaches.

Blue Flag is an international award managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Seaside Award beaches have amenities at a high standard where they are provided, and a Blue Flag is an even higher globally recognised accreditation for quality beaches, taking into account factors such as water quality and availability of nearby facilities.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “These awards are a credit to the collective efforts of beach managers, volunteers, residents and businesses who have worked tirelessly to maintain, protect and improve some of our best-loved and most popular beaches and we’d like to take this moment to recognise and applaud them.

“Visitors to a beach flying a Blue Flag can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards.

“The Blue Flag is the world’s most recognised award for beaches and marinas and, to qualify, each applicant must meet and maintain a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria.

“Seaside Awards are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of our coastline.”