Brightlingsea beaches have retained Blue Flag status – confirming that the waters around the town meet international bathing standards.

Frinton and Dovercourt Bay are the only other beaches to have gained a Blue Flag, though Harwich, Walton-on-the-Naze’s Albion and Naze beaches, and Martello Bay in Clacton have all been given Seaside Awards in recognition of their quality.

Blue Flag is an international award managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education. Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, Allison Ogden-Newton said: “Visitors to a beach flying a Blue Flag can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards.”

She added: “The Blue Flag is the world’s most recognised award for beaches and marinas and to qualify, each applicant must meet and maintain a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria.”

Tendring  District Council leader Mark Stephenson said the awards recognised the beauty and quality of Tendring’s beaches. “We are proud of our coastline – it is a fabulous place for residents and visitors alike. Blue Flags and Seaside Awards show people that our beaches are some of the best in the country and help us to promote our heritage and environment, attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay longer.”