Four of East Devon's beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status, marking them out as some of the best beaches in the country. 

The beaches in Seaton, Exmouth, Beer and Sidmouth were awarded the accolade and joined 78 other beaches in England. Budleigh Salterton was also awarded a Seaside Award.

The south west was awarded 37 Blue Flag awards in total, which is the highest number for any region in England.

The Blue Flag is a quality award which looks at four key areas - safety and services, environmental management, water quality and information and environmental education.  

Honiton's closest beach, Sidmouth has achieved Blue Flag status for four years in a row. Seaton has been recognised for the second year running and Exmouth is celebrating it's fifth year as a Blue Flag beach. 

In addition, the charity Keep Britain Tidy awarded Seaside status to Seaton, Budleigh and Beer.  

Cllr Geoff Jung, Portfolio holder for Coast, Country and Environment, Cllr Roger Sherriff Budleigh Town Council and Pete Blyth, Beach Safety Officer (Credit: EDDC)

The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are largely a result of the efforts and achievements of the East Devon District Council, and in particular their Street Scene team. 

Cllr Geoff Jung, Coast, Country and Environment Portfolio Holder, said: "I'm delighted that our residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the super beaches East Devon has to offer and can be confident they are clean, safe and well managed. 

"Many of our beaches have received these accolades year after year and that is testament to the hard work of our council officers, as well as the many volunteers, lifeguards and local businesses who work together to ensure these beaches have some of the highest standards in the country. Now we just need the sun to stay out so we can all enjoy our fantastic beaches in their prime!"

Beach Safety Officer, Pete Blyth said "This is a fantastic recognition of the efforts of both our staff and partners in the local community. There are too many local groups and organisations involved in this success to call them all out by name, but I'd like to thank everyone who has given their time and commitment to help keep our beaches safe and enjoyable for us all."

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