SUSSEX has some of the cleanest sea water in the UK, a survey has shown.

The Marine Conservation Society graded water quality at more than 90 per cent of the UK's bathing beaches as excellent following a mid-season analysis of 520 bathing sites.

Sussex beaches included in the excellent rating are West Wittering, Bracklesham Bay, Selsey, Pagham, Bognor Regis East, Felpham, Middleton, Littlehampton, Worthing, South Lancing, Birling Gap, Eastbourne, Pevensey Bay, Norman's Bay, Bexhill, St Leonards, Hastings, Winchelsea and Camber.

An excellent grade means the MCS is satisfied the beach has a low risk of bacterial contamination and recommends it for bathing.

The results were based on tests conducted by the Environment Agency over a ten-week period between May and July.

Bognor was the only Sussex beach in the survey that did not receive an excellent rating. Instead, it received a basic pass grade.

The MCS report rates only beaches that have had ten samples taken between May and July. Brighton's beaches had fewer than ten samples and will appear in a later report after the bathing season is finished at the end of September.

Five of the beaches that received an excellent grading - Bognor Regis East, Littlehampton, Pagham, Middleton and Felpham - are looked after by Arun District Council.

Coun Norman Dingemans, council cabinet member for economic regeneration and cultural development, said: "The recommendation for so many beaches in Arun is the result of efforts by Southern Water and many others to provide an attractive, safe and clean bathing environment that will benefit all residents and attract many visitors to Arun.

"Our lovely beaches really are the district's jewel in the crown."

Coun David Elkin, spokesman for tourism at Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "As the best- kept seafront in the country, Eastbourne works hard to maintain clean beaches, safe bathing and provide a wide range of facilities to keep the family amused."

Thomas Bell, MCS coastal pollution officer, said its report shows that nine out of ten UK beaches had excellent water quality up to the beginning of August.

He said: "The risk to bathers' health from sewage contamination was therefore generally low and we see this as great news for both the marine environment and the huge numbers of UK beach visitors.

"As usual, MCS urges swimmers to be aware of possible pollution after severe rain or flooding."