Rhyl has re-entered the Seaside Awards after a two year gap

Organised by Keep Wales Tidy, the north Wales holiday hotspots are among 103 winning beaches hailed throughout Wales.

Rhyl and Prestatyn were dropped from the roll call of honour in 2001 but after passing rigorous tests, their beaches have re-entered.

Esther Roberts from North Wales Tourism said both beaches offer fantastic facilities.

Family friendly

"It's excellent news for both Rhyl and Prestatyn," she said.

"It's a good marketing tool and very encouraging that they have won these awards.

"It will have a knock on effect for tourism generally.

"Both beaches are popular with families and this is really great news."

Any beach receiving a Seaside Award has been thoroughly tested.

Prestatyn beach is popular with families

Judges made sure they had first aid facilities available, good access for disabled visitors and have sands that are free of litter and dog fouling.

Tests are also carried out on the sea water to ensure they meet European Union standards for cleanliness.

Winning beaches are given a Seaside Award flag to fly.

Keep Wales Tidy spokesman Bob Gilchrist said the awards carry a lot of kudos.

Water quality

"If our 750 miles of coastline are not up to scratch that means loss of revenue and jobs," he said.

"Thankfully, that's something our beach managers have recognised and have risen to the challenge of creating a clean coastline in style."

A spokeswoman for Denbighshire County Council added: "We will be flying the yellow flags with pride on Rhyl and Prestatyn beaches.

"It is heartening to see that the water quality has improved there enough to get this award and we look forward to continuing to work with the Environment Agency to make sure that our popular beaches just keep getting better."