Eight beaches across East Sussex have won awards for being clean and well managed.

The Tidy Britain Group awarded the coveted Seaside Award Flag to Bexhill, Birling Gap, Camber, Eastbourne, Pevensey, Seaford and Winchelsea.

Pelham Beach, Hastings, set the standard for the first time, meeting European guidelines on water quality and beach management.

The group said the beach at Eastbourne was one of the best in the country.

It was judged on criteria such as access, cleanliness, water safety, control of dogs, facilities and amenities, information and how well it was maintained.

Mark Smith, Eastbourne Borough Council's head of tourism development, said: "Having quality beaches is vital to the town's £18 million tourism business. This accolade shows the public they can enjoy the beaches in safety.

"Winning these seaside awards for our resort proves the council is reaching the very highest standards of beach management."

To win the Seaside Award, resort beaches have to pass 29 different checks and rural beaches, such as Birling Gap, must pass 13.

Angela Howard, Tidy Britain Group Regional Director for the South East, said: "There are striking contrasts between the Sussex beaches gaining the awards this year but all have proved their excellence.

"The quieter beaches at Birling Gap and Winchelsea are great favourites for their peaceful surroundings, whilst the popular resorts such as Bexhill and Eastbourne can cater for a wide range of tastes and activities."