Camber beach wins a Blue Flag for the first time

But some of the county's top resorts like Brighton, Hastings and Eastbourne have failed to reach the required standards for clean water, management and visitor facilities.

The beaches at Camber and Littlehampton both picked up Blue Flags for the first time, while West Wittering's beach, which is privately owned, retained its award.

They are among a record 105 beaches across the UK to get Blue Flags - almost double the number from just three years ago.

European law tests

The Blue Flags are awarded by Encams, an environmental campaign group which organises the Keep Britain Tidy movement.

Sussex's Blue Flag beaches Camber Littlehampton West Wittering

The awards are only given to beaches with water clean enough to pass tough tests set by European law.

Facilities such as lifeguard and first aid services, the amount of litter on the beach and available bins and access for disabled visitors are also strictly examined.

When the awards were first handed out in 1987 only 14 UK beaches received Blue Flags.

Brighton and Seaford may not have been given a Blue Flag but users of both Sussex beaches were questioned for a survey carried out to coincide with the announcement of the Blue Flag beaches.

People of all ages using the two beaches were questioned last summer.

Among the findings of the survey were that 61% of people who visit the beach are women, people in their 30s are the age group most likely to head to the coast and that 70% visit the seaside on day trips.

The survey also found sandy beaches and clear blue water were the preferred surroundings for beach users.