Three East Devon beaches have won international recognition for being well managed with excellent water quality.

The Keep Britain Tidy Blue Fag award has been given to Exmouth, Seaton and Sidmouth in East Devon.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth's west beach. Ref shs 27 18TI 7048. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth's west beach. Ref shs 27 18TI 7048. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

All three have also won the Seaside Award which recognises the quality of the beach, the way they are managed and the facilities they offer to visitors. Beer and Budleigh Salterton beaches have also been given this award.

Sidmouth Herald: Seaton beach was given a Seaside Award Picture: Terry IfeSeaton beach was given a Seaside Award Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Councillor Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, said: *I would like to thank the whole team from the officers, to the StreetScene staff, the many volunteers and the lifeguards for their hard work and dedication to achieving these accolades. So, thank you team EDDC.”

Councillor Nick Hookway, EDDC’s portfolio holder for culture, tourism, leisure and sport, said: "These awards are great news for tourism in East Devon. To gain not one but two sets of awards for our beaches year after year is fantastic and shows what a lovely place East Devon is.

“My thanks must also go to all those businesses who cater for tourists. I hope that these awards will help them in their efforts to have a successful season.

“Finally, to all our visitors, I offer a warm welcome to East Devon and hope that you enjoy the outstanding environment that is on offer."

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “The success of these beaches in reaching the very high standards demanded is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our blue spaces – from beach managers and volunteers to local residents and businesses.

“The huge commitment needed to maintain marvellous beaches worthy of these awards cannot be underestimated.

“People who visit a beach flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards.”

The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are aimed at improving the quality of England’s coastline and promoting the country’s best beaches.

Blue Flag is an international award managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education.

It is only presented to well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes, while Seaside Awards are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of our coastline.