Fourteen beaches in Devon have been awarded Blue Flag status for 2019.
The independently assessed seal of approval is awarded to beaches which achieve very high quality standards of excellent cleanliness, safe access and appropriate signage.
The Blue Flag awards also looked at which ones met high environmental standards and tough international bathing water quality standards.
Winning beaches also had to run a minimum of five educational activities for the local community and visitors.
Eco-friendly features were as important as ever, after research from the organisation revealed that 74 per cent of Brits aged under 35 say they are 'triggered' with guilt when they head to the beach and see plastic litter.
In fact, 60 per cent experience 'eco-anxiety' when they see the litter and no sustainable facilities available to dispose of it and as a result 78 per cent said they would avoid visiting a beach without a Blue Flag or Seaside Award.
A blue flag rating can help put people's mind at ease, with 38 per cent saying they would know the water to be clean, while 35 per cent admitted they would feel good about supporting a beach that cares about the environment.
For more about Blue Flag Beaches click here.
Devon's Beaches
These are Devon's Blue Flag beaches
Westward Ho!, North Devon
Torridge District Council senior ranger, Michael Day, said: "We're very lucky in Torridge to have such a fantastic beach at Westward Ho! that has now achieved the Blue Flag award for 16 years in a row.
"It also backs onto Northam Burrows which is another important asset for rare wildlife and plant species.
"The public's awareness of plastic issues in our marine environment has only increased interest in beaches that meet the strict criteria for cleanliness.
"The standard has been achieved through the hard work of our staff but also a great partnership with the many volunteers that help out. We look forward to welcoming many more visitors to the area."
Croyde Bay, North Devon
Ian Kellett, Parkdean Resorts' chief financial officer, said: "We're extremely happy that Croyde Bay has received a Blue Flag Award and retained its Seaside Award.
"Ruda Holiday Park is a stone's throw from this amazing beach that is a must go for surfers and holidaymakers.
"The park has been working closely with local community groups and our dedicated beach ranger to make sure it is safe, clean and protected so that it can be enjoyed by people for years to come. It's a real jewel in North Devon."
Sandy Bay, Exmouth
Exmouth
Dawlish Warren
Oddicombe Beach, Torbay
Meadfoot Beach, Torbay
Breakwater Beach, Torbay
Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth
Challaborough near Kingsbridge
Teignbridge Town
Broadsands
Preston Sands
Torre Abbey Sands
Teignbridge District Council’s Managing Director, Phil Shears, said: “This is fantastic news and I take great pride in saying our Teignbridge beaches are amongst the best in the country.
"These awards don’t come easily and are testament to the hard work put in not only by our outstanding Resorts team but also local volunteers who support the environment. Thank you to everyone involved and I’m hoping it will be a brilliant summer that will attract locals and visitors alike to our award winning beaches.”
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.”
Environment Agency's Environment Manager, Bruce Newport, said: “A blue flag for Teignmouth is very well deserved. The long-running Love Your Beach campaign, led by Teignbridge District Council and involving ourselves and a range of organisations, has greatly raised awareness amongst businesses and visitors, helping improve the quality of the local bathing water.
"The Love Your Beach Action Group has really encouraged the local community to play their part in helping to reduce sources of pollution such as misconnections and dog fouling.”
Visit South Devon’s Marketing Executive, Anna Roach, said: “It’s wonderful to hear that Teignmouth Town Beach has joined Dawlish Warren Beach in being award a prestigious Blue Flag, and that holiday markers, visitors and locals can enjoy world class bathing waters.”
Chair of Dawlish Warren Tourism Group, Helen Scott, said: “Dawlish Warren Tourism are delighted with the news that Dawlish Warren Beach has retained the prestigious Blue Flag Award again this year making it a fabulous 21 years. Our thanks goes to Sarah Holgate, the Teignbridge Resorts Team and volunteers who work together to keep our local beach clean and safe for visitors and locals.”
This year 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.
