BEACHES throughout the region have been hailed as some of the country's finest by an environmental charity.

Clean sands and top-notch facilities have helped land a string of awards for local authorities responsible for managing coastal areas.

Next year will see beaches at Scarborough, Whitby, Hartlepool, Saltburn and Redcar flying the blue and yellow flags handed out by Encams, organisers of the annual Seaside Awards.

They were among a record-breaking 317 beaches nationwide to be given the accolades after passing strict tests on management procedures including first aid, clean toilets and disabled access.

Civic leaders welcomed the honours last night and urged residents and tourists to start backing the region's beaches by paying regular visits.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's assistant leisure director, Peter Lane, said: "We're delighted to regain the awards and we're now looking at ways of improving standards again."

Redcar was given a Grade A award, while Saltburn's Grade B was largely due to work on an improvement project.

Scarborough Borough Council is celebrating straight As for its beaches at Whitby, and Scarborough's North Bay and South Bay.

Runswick Bay, Robin Hood's Bay and 12 resorts in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear also gained awards.