Rural beaches praised in report

A good walk is a big attraction for beachgoers

Only one beach in Norfolk has been given the thumbs up in a survey of England's cleanest rural beaches.

The beach at Heacham was highlighted by the Keep Britain Tidy Group for being clean, having proper access and water clean enough to paddle in.

Two beaches in Essex - Frinton and Bell Wharf beaches - have also been praised by the organisation.

In Suffolk, five beaches found favour - Aldeburgh, Sizewell, Southwold Denes, Thorpeness and the Dip in Kessingland.

The Keep Britain Tidy researchers found half of rural beachgoers like to visit for lunch and a walk, and they mostly tend to be older, professional people with grown-up children.

Chief executive Alan Woods said: "The great strength of our coastline is that it has so many different things to offer.

"But while people visit it for a myriad of different reasons, they insist on good facilities and clean sands when they get there.

"That's just what they'll get at our recommended beaches."