BEACHES in the region are some of the best in the country when it comes to water quality, according Government figures released yesterday.

All bathing areas in the North-East and North Yorkshire have been given the green light for meeting the required water quality standards, according to the Environment Agency.

But some beaches still have a way to go to meet higher European standards, which are due to come into force in 2015.

Two of the beaches that failed to meet the minimum “sufficient” level for the stringent European standards are Staithes and Robin Hood’s Bay, on the North Yorkshire coast.

Last year, Saltburn was the only beach not to reach the standard required by the Environment Agency.

Work has since been carried out to reduce pollution sources affecting the bathing water quality, and it met the standard this time around.

Simon Firth, environment manager at the Environment Agency, said that the results showed how bathing water has improved, but there is still more work to do.

He said: “We have worked with a range of people, from farmers to big business to tackle pollution and ensure that beaches in the North-East are something to be proud of.

“Stricter standards will come into force in 2015, and we are working with water companies, farmers, local authorities and beach managers to tackle persistent sources of pollution and make sure that as many beaches as possible pass these standards.”