Robin Hood's Bay is among the beaches to receive the new award

Eleven beaches including South Landing and Danes Dyke in East Yorkshire, and Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire received the Quality Coast Award.

The Humberston Fitties Beach in Cleethorpes, north-east Lincolnshire, was also recognised.

The award celebrates diversity and high standards of beaches along England's coastline, including rural hideaways.

Tourism boost

Also recognised were East Yorkshire's Wilsthorpe, Skipsea, Tunstall and Barmston beaches and in North Yorkshire, Scarborough's South Bay, Cayton Bay, Runswick Bay and Sandsend.

Teresa Jennings, northern executive director for ENCAMS, which runs the Quality Coast Award, said: "The traditional seaside experience of building sandcastles and snacking on ice-cream is still favoured by many.

"But it is just one of the reasons why people go to the coast; others want to catch the surf or get away from it all in a coastal spot off the beaten track.

"Award-winning beaches will enjoy boosted day tripper and holiday-maker numbers which is great news for local economies."

Criteria required for receiving the awards included good access to the beaches, clean sands free of litter and dog fouling, clean facilities in good working order and free from graffiti and vandalism.