25 Reasons to Holiday in Devon

Flying the flag for local seaside resorts in 2011 are torbay with 16 awards ( 6 blue flags, 10 Quality Coast awards).

Teignbridge with 4 awards (1 Blue flag, 3 Quality Coast awards).

An additional 9 Devon beaches boast a further 10 awards between them (8Blue Flags, 2 Quality coast awards).

The beach at Westward Ho! has for the eight time in a row, attained the standards necessary for Keep Britain Tidy's Blue Flag distinction award.

The beach has met stringent criteria in the following four categories:

• Environmental education and information
• Environmental management
• Safety and services
• Water quality

Councillor Roger Tisdale said: "I'm delighted that all the har work by everybody committed to making our beach a venue we can ALL be proud of.

To have received this award eight years in a row is a considerable achievement and I hope will encourage people to come and experience our jewel in the crown for themselves."