Report authors said cleanliness had improved by 32%

Two new entries have been added to the list of top beaches in the province.

It brings to 11 the number which have been included in special awards announced on Thursday.

The report said Northern Ireland's beaches were cleaner than ever and had the best public access in the UK.

The UK-wide Seaside Awards scheme was co-organised by Tidy Northern Ireland.

Director Ian Cole said the work in maintaining high standards had paid off.

NI'S TOP BEACHES Ballycastle Benone Strand Cranfield West Cushendun Millisle Lagoon Portstewart Strand Portrush East Portrush White Rocks Tyrella Warrenpoint West Strands

"An influx of foreign tourists to Northern Ireland is a distinct possibility," he said.

"This time last year we were worried that the progress we had made in cleaning up our coastline had grown stale.

"Now we read of higher standards and three new beaches making the grade.

"This fillip will bring in extra revenue and jobs, but that doesn't mean we're sitting on our laurels.

"In fact, we'll be striving ever harder to ensure Northern Ireland's beaches are as big a draw for tourists as they are in the rest of the UK and the Republic."

Water quality

This year's two new entries were Portrush White Rocks and Cushendun. Millisle Lagoon was the single Northern Ireland re-entry in the awards.

Portrush East Strand was among the top three most improved resorts across the UK, with its rating surging by 15% over last year.

People might have dismissed things they are not prepared to any more because standards are rising everywhere, and it's good to see the standard of our beaches has matched that Northern Ireland Tourist Board

The report authors said cleanliness had improved by 32% and there was no sign of dog dirt on resort beaches.

They also said water quality information was good and access more than adequate. General maintenance received a score of 99%.

However, facilities such as toilets and shower blocks dropped by 4%.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board said environmental concerns were now playing a greater role in choosing holiday destinations.

"Litter and dog fouling and water quality are all increasingly important in choosing one destination over another," said a spokeswoman.

"People might have dismissed things they are not prepared to any more because standards are rising everywhere, and it's good to see the standard of our beaches has matched that."