Devon's blue flag beaches in 2009

Beach huts at Broadsands in Paignton

Devon has 12 Blue Flags in 2009 - four fewer than in 2008, with Torbay losing two of its awards.

The four which lost out are Paignton Sands and Goodrington South - both in Paignton, Torbay; Bantham in the South Hams, and Sandy Bay in Exmouth.

However, Torbay can still boast five Blue Flag beaches.

The award of a European Blue Flag is a symbol of high environmental standards as well as good sanitary and safety facilities.

The full list is:

Bigbury on Sea (South Hams)

Blackpool Sands (South Hams)

Breakwater Beach, Brixham (Torbay)

Broadsands, Paignton (Torbay)

Challaborough (South Hams)

Dawlish Warren (Teignbridge)

Meadfoot Beach, Torquay (Torbay)

Oddicombe Beach, Torquay (Torbay)

Preston Sands (Torbay)

Tunnels Beach, Ilfracombe (North Devon)

Westward Ho! (North Devon)

Woolacombe Sands (North Devon)