Margate beach regained the award after losing it last year

Seven new beaches are among the 49 that will be able to fly the blue and yellow flag for boasting clean sands and supreme facilities.

Among them is Margate beach in Kent which missed out on securing the accolade last year.

The awards are run by Encams, the organisation behind the Keep Britain Tidy Campaign.

Well managed

The new entries this year are Broadstairs Botany Bay, Eastbourne Tower to Holywell, Folkestone Sunny Sands, Norman's Beach Bay, St Mildred's Bay and West Bay in Westgate and Hythe.

But Worthing, in Sussex, which received an award last year, missed out after failing on water quality.

Angela Howard, Encams regional director, said: "I am absolutely delighted that more beaches than ever in the region will be flying the sought after flag this year.

"I am particularly pleased that so many beaches new to the award have strived to improve their water quality and facilities."

The Seaside Awards are presented to the resorts and beaches that are well managed.

This includes providing first aid, clean toilets and ensuring access and facilities for disabled visitors.

The Environment Agency tests bathing water quality and only the beaches that pass the EU minimum legal standards as well as passing the Seaside Awards criteria are allowed to fly the flag.