Three Tendring beaches are among seven Essex winners of top beach awards, it was announced today.

Clacton West, Dovercourt Bay and Brightlingsea all kept the Seaside Awards they won last year.

And Dovercourt is waiting anxiously to learn if it has also retained its prestigious Blue Flag Award.

However, Clacton's water quality was not good enough for a Blue Flag and Brightlingsea does not qualify as it is not a resort.

The beaches, which passed the Seaside Awards had to ensure they provided first aid, clean toilets and access and facilities for disabled visitors at each resort. Bathing water quality was tested by the Environment Agency.

In all seven Essex beaches won Seaside Awards: Brightlingsea, Clacton, Dovercourt Bay, Leigh on Sea Bell Wharf, Southend Shoebury Common, Southend Shoeburyness East, and Southend Three Shells resort.

A record-breaking number of beaches received the awards for clean sand and top-notch facilities.

Environmental charity ENCAMS, organisers of the Seaside Awards, said blue and yellow flags will be flown at 317 beaches this summer, after they passed strict criteria on beach management.

The total is up by nine on last year, with most of the gains being made along the English Riviera.

Published Thursday, March 14, 2002