Torbay's Beaches Come Top

Torbay has come out as one of the best places in the country when it comes to swimming in the sea.

It has been awarded 14 Blue Flag and Quality Coast Awards (QCAs) by anti-litter campaign group Keep Britain Tidy.

Blue Flag status reflects the cleanliness of water - Torbay got four and Teignbridge one. However Preston Beach - which previously had Blue Flag status wasn't awarded the title this year.

Torbay also got ten QCAs - which are more about facilities and beach environment - and Teignbridge was awarded three.

Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: "As more and more people decide to swap trips abroad for the convenience of holidays at home, they are discovering a renewed love for our glorious coastline and quality resorts.''

He added: "Our beaches are fabulous places to visit.''

Councillor David Corney-Walker, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism said:

“As we look forward to a busy summer season this news is a welcome boost for our local beaches and resorts.  At Teignbridge we work hard to provide top-quality beaches and resorts for our residents and visitors to enjoy all year round, and it is especially encouraging to see Dawlish Warren fly the flag for the 12th year running – it really is quite an achievement.

“It is testament to the commitment of Teignbridge to quality open spaces and the promotion of tourism that we have achieved this award year on year since 1999 while welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors.  Likewise we have scooped Quality Coast Awards for Coryton Cove, Teignmouth beach and Ness Cove every year since the scheme launched in 2008.”


BLUE FLAGS:

Dawlish Warren, Teignbridge

Oddicombe Beach, Torbay

Meadfoot Beach,Torbay

Broadsands Beach, Torbay,

Breakwater Beach,Torbay

Challaborough, South Hams

Blackpool Sands, South Hams

Bigbury-on-Sea, South Hams


QUALITY COAST AWARDS:

Coryton Cove, Dawlish

Ness Cove, Shaldon

Teignmouth Town, Teignmouth

Oddicombe Beach, Torbay

Meadfoot Beach, Torbay

Broadsands Beach, Torbay

Breakwater Beach,Torbay (new)

Anstey's Cove, Torbay

Goodrington South Sands, Torbay

Maidencombe Beach, Torbay

Paignton Beach, Torbay

Preston Beach, Torbay

Torre Abbey Sands, Torbay