Beaches across the North East have been praised

The cleanliness of the beaches in north-east England has been highlighted in this year's Good Beach Guide 2003.

The new survey was released on Friday by the Marine Conservation Society.

Over half of Britain's bathing waters are recommended in the guide this year - 80 more than last year and 421 in total.

Almost 20 beaches in the North East appear in the guide.

They include Saltburn, Marske Sands, Redcar and Seaton Carew.

No few than seven beaches along the Northumberland coast have also been recommended.

They include Druridge Bay, Newbiggin South, Amble Links, Warkworth, Low Newton, Beadnell and Seahouses North.

Also recommended is Seaham Hall in County Durham, Whitburn in Sunderland, and South Shields.

No fewer than four beaches at Tynemouth - including King Edwards Bay, Long Sands South, Long Sands North and Cullercoats - are also listed.