Marine Conservation Society findings:

Improvements in sewage treatment and fine weather have contributed to record improvements in every region of the UK, except for Northern Ireland.

In the North West a beach at Blackpool, where the Guide was launched, made the MCS grade for the first time, along with three other recommended beaches in the region.

It is a great year too for the North East which recorded the largest regional increase in recommended beaches, and yet again record numbers were reported in both the South East and South West.

The Guide tells a similar story for both Scotland and Wales with increases in the number of recommended beaches, although there are still a significant number failing the minimum EC water quality standard in both regions.

Northern Ireland took a step backward this year with fewer recommended beaches and more failing the lowest EC standard for water quality.

The Marine Conservation Society believes work is needed to tackle all sources of bacterial pollution to ensure that no beaches fail and more make the grade for the MCS Good Beach Guide.

Seven hundred and ninety five beaches in the UK were monitored for bathing water quality between May and September in 2001.

Nearly half of the beaches are recommended - 341 (43%) - and met the stringent criteria for clean bathing required by the Marine Conservation Society.

MCS will only recommend beaches in the Guide if they meet the highest Guideline European water quality standard and are not affected by inadequately treated sewage. Sixty one (8%) beaches failed to meet the minimum water quality standards, 29 less than the previous year, and the lowest number ever.