TOURISM has received a boost with the announcement that 21 of the region's beaches have been granted a Seaside Award.

In the North-East, nine resorts and three rural beaches will be flying blue and yellow flags, signifying clean sands and facilities in time for the Easter weekend.

Resort beaches included Redcar and Saltburn, east Cleveland; Sandhaven, at South Shields; Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Kings Edward's Bay and Longsands South, near Tynemouth; and Whitburn North and Whitburn South, Wearside.

Rural beaches were Bamburgh, Beadnell Bay and St Aidan's at Seahouses, all Northumberland.

But celebrations were marred by yesterday's news that three of last year's winners failed to repeat their success.

Judges agreed that Amble Links, Low Newton and Warkworth, all Northumberland, suffered from too much litter and inadequate signs pointing out facilities, such as first aid.

In North Yorkshire, nine beaches maintained their reputation for excellence.

They were Cayton Bay, Filey, Robin Hood's Bay, Runswick Bay, Sandsend, Scarborough North and South, Staithes and Whitby.

"I am absolutely delighted that the award winning beaches have met the strict criteria to be able to fly the flag once again," said Marian Harrison, regional director of Encams, the group behind the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, which organised the awards.

"This will prove a much needed boost to tourism in the region at a crucial time - but beach operators must not become complacent."

The awards are presented to resorts and rural beaches that are well managed.

Criteria they are assessed on includes first aid, clean toilets and ensuring there is access for disabled visitors.

The Environment Agency tests bathing water quality, and only beaches that have passed the European Union minimum legal standards, as well as the Seaside Award criteria, are allowed to fly the flag.

Many resort beaches, including Whitley Bay, Redcar and Saltburn, also provide showers and a lifeguard, with a dog ban in place during seasonal months.

Beach managers met in Newcastle yesterday for a conference to discuss ways to encourage people to make more use of beaches in the region.

Alnwick District Council, which is responsible for the maintaining the beaches at Amble Links, Low Newton and Warkworth, is investing in more signs and monitoring the litter problem.