MORE Sussex beaches have been given the seal of approval on a national scale.

Four have been awarded Blue Flag status by Keep Britain Tidy.

Top quality beaches include Brighton Central, Hove Lawns, Marina St Leonards and West Wittering Beach have all retained their status from last year.

The region can also boast seven Seaside Awards – up by two on last year.

New entries Worthing and West Wittering join Littlehampton, Saltdean, Marina St Leonards and Pelham Beach in Hastings, who retained their awards from 2016.

Nationally 68 beaches across England will be flying an international Blue Flag Award, an increase of seven this year, while 111 beaches have been given the Seaside Award.

Sussex success however has been overshadowed by the performance of South Coast rivals with Cornwall claiming the most awards – a grand total of 11 Seaside Awards and eight Blue Flags.

Other more successful regions include Torbay with 13 awards, Thanet with ten awards, Tendring with ten awards and Southend on Sea with ten awards.

Both awards are quality marks for beaches and organisers said it would give assurances to beachgoers to the listed sites that they are clean and safe and meet the highest environmental standards.

Adur and Worthing councils said it hoped that by achieving the Seaside Award it would be “a stepping stone” to gaining coveted Blue Flag status in future years.

Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “I’m delighted Worthing has been recognised with this important award.

“We work hard all year round to ensure our beach is a safe and enjoyable place for residents and the millions of visitors who come here every year to discover Worthing.”

Aaron Woods, resort manager for Hastings Borough Council, said: “This is the second year in a row that Marina beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, a fantastic result for Hastings and it reflects the hard work and commitment given by the council and other partners to make this happen.

“We are very proud of our beaches which attract many visitors every year.

“The Seaside Award and Blue flags will be flying high giving residents and holiday makers in Hastings reassurance that our beaches offer the best facilities and cleanest beaches this summer.”

Allison Ogden-Newton, Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, said: “When you enjoy a day on the beach flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award, you know you are on one of the safest, cleanest and very best in the country.”