Blue Flag awards for five beaches

A total of 82 English beaches were awarded a Blue Flag this year

Tourists heading for five beaches in Sussex can be assured of the cleanest water and best facilities after they were awarded a prestigious Blue Flag.

Brighton and Hove's beaches at West Street and Hove Lawns received the status for the second year running.

Littlehampton Coastguards was also honoured, after losing its flag last year, along with West Wittering and the Eastbourne Pier to Wish Tower beach.

The West Sussex beach at Bognor Regis, east of the Pier, lost its flag.

Blue Flag awards measure cleanliness, water quality, beach safety and the facilities available.

A total of 82 English beaches were awarded the status this year.

SUSSEX BLUE FLAG WINNERS Littlehampton Coastguards, West Sussex West Wittering Beach, West Sussex West Street, East Sussex Hove Lawns, East Sussex Eastbourne Pier to Wish Tower, East Sussex

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Phil Barton said: "We keep being told that our love affair with the seaside has been on the rocks.

"But as far as we are concerned England's beach resorts go from strength to strength."

He said Blue Flag was only awarded to beaches that have "good access, top notch facilities, are litter free and have clean sea-water".

"We are challenging people to avoid overseas air travel and be kind to the environment by holidaying at home."