Essex: Three Beaches Get Blue Flags

Three beaches in Essex are among 55 around the country to have been given a Blue Flag, recognising their quality.

Keep Britain Tidy has announced Clacton-on-Sea, Dovercourt Bay and Brightlingsea have been awarded the flag which is judged on how good the facilities are, how clean the beach is and the water quality. 

Essex has actually been given fewer Blue Flags than last year however. 

Three Shells Beach, Shoebury Common Beach, and Shoeburyness East Beach (all in Southend) were given one in 2012, but have not retained it this year. 

Around the country, the number has fallen from 79 in 2012 to 55 this year. 

Richard McIlwain, from Keep Britain Tidy, said: "Keep Britain Tidy campaigns to improve the quality of our local environment and we know that communities up and down the country love their beaches and understand what an asset they are for their towns' economies. 

"We also know that cleaner beaches can be a focal point for stronger communities. 

"Holiday-makers and daytrippers want to visit clean, safe beaches and the sight of the Blue Flag or Seaside Award flying gives them the reassurance that they will."