Scarborough has won an award every year since 1992

"While there is still much to be done, the time has come for all of us to stop being embarrassed about our beaches and start celebrating them for what they are - a viable option for tourists here and from overseas.

"The tired old cliches about Britain's coastline being unattractive, its beaches dirty and its facilities antiquated, should be consigned to the past where they belong."

This year's record haul of flags completes a steady rise in award-winners since the scheme began in 1992 when only 92 made the grade.

The total is up nine on last year with most of the gains being made along the English Riviera, with four new winners coming from Torbay.

Scotland, Yorkshire and the south-east of England have also made gains - while the east of England, the Channel Islands, the north-east and the East Midlands have maintained the number of flags they achieved last year.

Among those beaches that won an award in 1992, and have received them every year since, are Southend, Eastbourne, Benone Strand (Northern Ireland), Poole, Tenby and Scarborough.