More beaches achieve flag awards

Oddicombe beach is one of 12 beaches in Torquay to win the award

The number of South West beaches which have won the prestigious Seaside Flag Award, has increased.

This year awards have gone to 65 beaches in Devon and Cornwall.

Encams runs the awards and any beach which wins the Seaside Award must first pass 29 different tests, covering issues like safety and cleanliness.

Thirty-three beaches in Devon can fly the coveted yellow and blue flag while 32 beaches in Cornwall have reached the standards required by the scheme.

Twelve of the Devon beaches are in Torbay, including Oddicombe, Paignton and Goodrington.

Porthtowan joins 31 other beaches and resorts in Cornwall that have won the award.