Good marks in bathing water tests

Beaches were monitored between May and September last year

More than 30 beaches in the eastern region have been recommended for their excellent water quality in this year's Good Beach Guide.

Published by the Marine Conservation Society, the guide includes 12 beaches in Norfolk, with three from Great Yarmouth included for the first time.

In Suffolk, seven beaches have made the grade, including Southwold Denes.

Essex boasts 14 beaches in the guide, with Frinton and Southend Three Shells showing an improvement on last year.

The Good Beach Guide looks at bathing water quality, as well as information on lifeguard cover, facilities and access.

A record number of UK beaches have been recommended by the guide.

Out of 800 tested weekly between May and September last year, 507 made the grade - up on the previous record of 453.