'Dorset offers the best holidays'

Dorset beaches have maintained the coveted Blue Flags for cleanliness

A couple who have been making their August Bank Holiday trip to Bournemouth for nearly 50 years have said they would not swap it for foreign climes.

Maureen and Charlie Cotterill, 82, their son Stephen, 47, his wife, Alison, 40, and their four children believe in the British seaside holiday.

The Stoke-on-Trent family book the same beach hut and have stayed in the same bed-and-breakfast for 15 years.

Mrs Cotterill, 72, said: "We are steeped in tradition."

When the sun comes out this is the best country in the world Mrs Eileen Marsh

The retired dispatch supervisor for Royal Doulton added: "My son has been coming since he was a baby and no matter where we all go for the rest of the year, we all like to have this week here in Bournemouth.

"Stephen is up at 6am and walks all around Boscombe and other places then we spend the day with the children on the beach - rain or shine."

Mr Cotterill, a retired polisher for Royal Doulton, said: "I like the fresh air, it seems to do me the world of good.

"It's like home from home."

The West Midlands family always ensures it books their week's stay at the same time as Eileen Marsh, 88, and her 49-year-old son, Kevin.

Mrs Marsh, a widow, said: "When the sun comes out this is the best country in the world.

"Some people go abroad because they like to say they have been abroad whether they like it or not."

The Cotterils always stay at The Fircliff in Alum Chine.

"I have watched the family grow over the years and when they stay it is like having a large family reunion," said Kath Black, who owns The Fircliff with her husband, Ian.

"It's wonderful."