23 beaches across the region celebrate Blue Flag status

23 beaches across the south have been granted the status Credit: ITV Meridian

Twenty three beaches across our region are about to fly flags showing they're the best in the country.

Keep Britain Tidy has announced this year's Blue Flag and Seaside Awards. Thirteen have met the highest standards for cleanliness and facilities.

Ramsgate Main Sands is a new recipient of the Blue Flag Award this year.

New Seaside Award winning beaches are Westbrook Bay and Sheerness Beach. Sheerness Beach and Littlehampton Coastguards achieved both the Seaside Award and the Blue Flag Award.

Both the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are the quality marks for our beaches and mean those visiting them can be sure that they are clean and safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well the tough bathing water quality standards.

ITV Meridian spoke to Richard McIlwain from Keep Britain Tidy.