North Tyneside beaches will keep the Blue Flags flying after being ranked among the best in the country for another year.
King Edwards Bay, Tynemouth Longsands, and Whitley Bay have all successfully retained the awards they won in 2017 to preserve their status as three of the finest beaches in the country.
The coveted Blue Flag is an international award, administered by the charity Keep Britain Tidy, which recognises the nation’s cleanest and best-maintained beaches, with the highest standards and best visitor facilities.
The three beaches, as well as Cullercoats, have also achieved the prestigious Seaside Award - a Keep Britain Tidy accolade for the highest standards of beach management and required water quality standards for bathing.
A total of 65 Blue Flags and 125 Seaside Awards have been announced, with the three North Tyneside beaches among 42 beaches to achieve both awards.
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn CBE, said: “It’s wonderful to see our beaches receive these coveted awards once again.
“The Blue Flag and Seaside Award signify that our beaches are absolutely first-class and that people can enjoy themselves in a clean, healthy, and safe environment.
"We have continued to invest heavily in our award-winning coastline over the years and it’s very exciting to see ambitious projects such as the £36m Seafront Master Plan for Whitley Bay take shape.
"I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our staff who work so hard to maintain such high standards, and to our residents, visitors, and local businesses who always try to take such good care of our coast.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “The success of the 148 beaches in reaching the very high standards demanded by both awards is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our beaches – from beach managers and volunteers to local people and businesses.
"When you enjoy a trip to a beach flying an international Blue Flag or Seaside Award, you know you are on one of the safest, cleanest and very best in the country.”