Huts line the shore at Felixtowe in Suffolk

The region's previous 27 winners, save one, have been recognised by the charity Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS), organisers of the Keep Britain Tidy Campaign.

Some of the beaches have earned the award - meant to recognise water quality and criteria such as cleanliness of beach facilities and the availability of first aid - for 12 years running.

However, one 2002 winner, Lowestoft's Gunton Denes in Suffolk, did not receive a flag after failing to meet European Union bathing water quality standards.

2003 Seaside Award Winners Essex Brightlingsea Clacton, West Dovercourt Bay Leigh on Sea, Bell Wharf Southend, Shoebury Common Southend, Shoeburyness East Southend, Three Shells Norfolk Cromer Great Yarmouth, Central Great Yarmouth, Gorleston Heacham, North Heacham, South Hunstanton Mundesley Sea Palling Sheringham Snettisham Suffolk Aldeburgh Felixstowe South Felixstowe, The Dip Kessingland Lowestoft, North of Pier Lowestoft, South of Pier Sizewell Southwold, Denes Southwold Pier Thorpeness

Nigel Tansley-Thomas, regional director of ENCAMS, said: "I am absolutely delighted that all the winning beaches have maintained such high standards over the recent years.

"It is also heartening to find the likes of Aldeburgh - that most traditional of fishing villages - winning the award again.

Tourism boost

"The Seaside Awards are a great boost to our tourism industry, at such a crucial time as this."

Along with water quality standards, which are determined by Environment Agency tests, the beaches must also pass management criteria set forth by ENCAMS.

This includes providing first aid, clean toilets and access and facilities for disabled visitors at each resort.

Across the UK, 332 beaches received Seaside awards this year, compared with 317 last year.

When the awards began back in 1992, just 92 beaches made the grade.