COUNCIL officials in Hartlepool are celebrating after being awarded an international beach-quality award.

A coveted Blue Flag has been awarded to Seaton Carew, in recognition of its high standards of water quality, cleanliness, facilities, safety, and management.

It is another boost for the town's image as a tourist destination, following the announcement that it is to host the world-renowned Tall Ships Race in 2010.

Mayor Stuart Drummond said: "My congratulations go to everyone who has played a part in securing this award. Hartlepool's image has been dramatically transformed in recent years.

"This award - along with the Tall Ships Race announcement - is proof of the progress that the town as a whole is making."

Seaton Carew has become one of more than 3,000 beaches and marinas entitled to fly a Blue Flag.

Improvements and initiatives introduced at Seaton Carew include the recruitment of a team of beach lifeguards, trained to Royal Life Saving Society standards, a spring-summer ban on dogs from the main amenity beaches, regular cleansing of the beach and patrols by plain-clothed dog wardens.

Helen Beaman, the council's environment co-ordinator, said: "The hard work of a number of different organisations and members of the community has contributed to us winning the Blue Flag.

"This shows how everyone is pulling together for the good of the town."