Twenty samples are taken from each beach for a range of tests

The Environment Agency is due to start its annual checks on the quality of water at South West beaches.

Twenty samples are taken from each beach for a range of tests.

The agency says the sea around the Devon and Cornwall coast is cleaner than it has ever been.

It will be carrying out nearly 4,000 checks on nearly 200 beaches in the South West.

Highest standard

The testing starts on Thursday and goes on until the end of September.

Samples are analysed at the agency's laboratory in Devon, where they are checked for sewage bacteria and other infections.

The agency says water quality in the region is continuing to improve, reaching its highest standard last year.

Three beaches failed and improvements to nearby sewage systems are taking place.

Pre-season checks were carried out last month on 39 beaches which are classified as being high-risk.

The test results can be seen on the Environment Agency's website.