Beaches were rewarded for their facilities and cleanliness

The beaches - 16 in the North East and six in Cumbria - had to pass strict checks for cleanliness, public facilities and water quality.

Encams, the charity that runs the Seaside Awards, said some beaches needed 400 hours of cleaning a week to maintain the necessary standards.

Winning the award means the beaches can fly the coveted yellow and blue flag.

Amongst the 16 North East beaches, Seaton Carew makes a return to the top after three years.

In Tynemouth, a team of 30 lifeguards helped to litter pick on the award winning beaches during the day, when the tide was out.

A mechanical sweeper starts cleaning the beach at 0600 BST throughout March - October, with some 300 tonnes of rubbish being removed from the four Seaside Award beaches in Tynemouth during these months last year.

'Clean toilets'

In Tyne and Wear beaches in South Shields, Whitburn and Whitley Bay received awards.

In Northumberland, sites at Amble, Beadnell, St Aidens, Warkworth, Low Newton and Bamburgh were recognised.

In Cumbria, Allonby, Silloth, St. Bees, Seascale and Silecroft were named.

And on Teesside, Redcar and Saltburn were also rewarded.

Liz Moss, coastal director of Encams said "Beach managers have realised that the way to draw the crowds and keep visitors happy is to clean the beach thoroughly and frequently, ensure the bins are not overflowing and of course, provide clean toilets.

"The fact that the average resort beach like Whitley Bay South and Saltburn is being cleaned for 400 hours every week is great news for visitors."

Encams is a national charity which works to improve local environments.