Seven beaches across the North East have been awarded the coveted blue flag status, highlighting them among the best in the UK.

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has today announced the winners of the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for 2023.

To get the gong a beach is rated on its water quality, environmental management including litter and waste, environmental information available to visitors and the safety and services in place such as first aid and lifeguards where necessary.

Read more: Popstar cancels North East gig after crew is involved in 'serious' car crash​

For 2023 seven beaches in our region – Tynemouth Longsands, Tynemouth King Edwards Bay, Whitley Bay, Roker, Seaburn, Scarborough North Bay and Whitby - have been given the award.

The figures are down on last year when nine beeches scooped the title. 

Saltburn and Sandhaven, South Shields, have both lost the the title this year.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “Visitors to a beach flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards.

“The Blue Flag is the world’s most recognised award for beaches and marinas and, to qualify, each applicant must meet and maintain a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria.

“We’d therefore like to recognise and applaud all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve some of our best-loved and most popular beaches. The collective efforts of beach managers, volunteers, residents and businesses all contribute to the success of these sites in achieving the incredibly high standards demanded.”

To get more stories direct to your email basket go here 

The blue flag is an internationally recognised award with 77 beaches and one marina being awarded the title this year.

More beaches have also been handed the Seaside Award which bosses say celebrate the “quality and diversity of England’s coastline”.

See which North East beaches won the Blue Flag here:

  • Tynemouth Longsands - North Tyneside
  • Tynemouth King Edwards Bay - North Tyneside
  • Whitley Bay - North Tyneside
  • Roker - Sunderland
  • Seaburn – Sunderland
  • Scarborough North Bay - North Yorkshire
  • Whitby - North Yorkshire

And see which beaches also won the Seaside Award here:

  • Tynemouth Longsands - North Tyneside
  • Tynemouth King Edwards Bay - North Tyneside
  • Whitley Bay - North Tyneside
  • Seaton Carew Central - Hartlepool
  • Saltburn - Redcar and Cleveland
  • Redcar Lifeboat Road - Redcar and Cleveland
  • Sandhaven South Shields - South Tyneside
  • Roker - Sunderland
  • Seaburn – Sunderland
  • Filey - North Yorkshire
  • Runswick Bay - North Yorkshire
  • Cayton Bay - North Yorkshire

Read next:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus digital subscription from as little as only £1.50 a week. Click here

  • Sandsend - North Yorkshire
  • Robin Hoods Bay - North Yorkshire
  • Scarborough North Bay - North Yorkshire
  • Whitby - North Yorkshire