Hundreds of awards presented to Wales' beaches

The Blue Flag Award is highly respected internationally and runs in 49 countries across the world. Credit: Keep Wales Tidy

Wales' beaches have seen an increase in the number of highly prestigious international Blue Flag awards.

41 beaches and one marina across the country have been presented with the accolade, compared to 34 last year.

The Blue Flag Award is highly respected internationally and runs in 49 countries across the world.

It is only awarded to beaches and marinas that boast the highest quality of water, environmental education and management, safety and services and acts as a guarantee to visitors that a beach is among the finest not only in the country, but around the world.

Beaches in Ceredigion, Conwy and Denbighshire have particularly benefited this year.

Beaches in Ceredigion, Conwy and Denbighshire have particularly benefited this year, winning 6 brand new Blue Flag Awards due to their improved water quality. Swansea Marina claimed the only Blue Flag Award for a marina in Wales.

Elsewhere a further 30 beaches successfully obtained the Green Coast Award and 101 beaches gained a Seaside Award for their good water quality and facilities.

Winners of the former are generally regarded as the hidden gems of Wales - beaches that qualify with the highest standard of water quality but are better known for their natural, unspoiled environment.

The Seaside Award meanwhile celebrates beaches that have good public facilities, water quality, safety and management.

Swansea Marina claimed the only Blue Flag Award for a marina in Wales.