Several beaches across the county have been recognised as some of the country’s best.

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has today announced that six beaches in Sussex are among the winners of the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for summer 2022.

The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, are aimed at improving the quality of England’s coastline and promoting the country’s best beaches.

The Argus: Hove Lawns beachHove Lawns beach

Brighton Central, Hove Lawns, St Leonards Marina beach, West Wittering, Littlehampton Coastguard’s Beach and Bognor Regis East Beach were all recognised.

The competition judges safety and services, such as first aid and lifeguards, environmental information including displaying details about local ecosystems, its water quality and management of litter and waste management.

Councillor David Edwards, chairman of Arun District Council’s environment committee, praised the hard work of everyone involved in maintaining the beaches in Littlehampton and Bognor.

The Argus: Brighton Central beach Brighton Central beach

He said: “We are delighted to have retained the Seaside Awards and it will be great to see the flags again flying proudly over these two fantastic beaches that are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

“The awards are a real credit to our teams who work tirelessly to keep the beaches clean and well-maintained, but they couldn’t do it without the help of volunteers and residents who will go out of their way to clean up litter left by others because they take pride in where they live.”

Blue Flag is an international award managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education.

It is only presented to well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes.

Seaside Awards are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of our coastline.

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “ The huge commitment needed to maintain marvellous beaches worthy of these awards cannot be under-estimated.”

“People who visit a beach flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards.”