NI beaches bathe in glory

The beach at Newcastle: one of nine recommended

Beaches in Northern Ireland have been commended by the Marine Conservation Society.

The results of a survey published on Friday showed significant progress in the battle against dirty beaches.

But the society said more work was needed to further reduce sewage contamination.

The society had surveyed 26 beaches in Northern Ireland.

All were found to reach the required standard.

The society wants to see even less sewage contamination

The number of beaches recommended by the society this year was up from six to nine.

Old favourites, Newcastle and Tyrella, both in County Down, received awards.

Murlough Bay and Crawfordsburn in County Down and Brown's Bay near Larne in County Antrim were added to the list.

Blue flag awards

In March eight of Northern Ireland's beaches were given the Seaside Award by the Tidy Britain Group.

The group administers the European Union-wide clean beach campaign.

Portrush east strand in County Antrim won the award for the first year, along with Portrush west strand, which had already been given a clean beach flag.

Other County Antrim resort beaches which won the right to fly the distinctive yellow and black flag are Ballycastle, and Benone Strand.

The popular County Londonderry beach, Portstewart strand, was also awarded the flag as were Tyrella, Millisle Lagoon and Cranfield West in County Down.

The Tidy Britain Group said that Northern Ireland's beaches were at their cleanest since the awards started in 1992.

But, while they were subsequently recommended by the Marine Conservation Society, the strands at Crawfordsburn and Newcastle were notable absences from the blue flag list.