SIX Ceredigion beaches have retained their Blue Flag status with another seven beaches scooping either Green Coast or Seaside awards.

In total 13 beaches received recognition in the Coast Awards, with Aberporth, Aberystwyth North, Borth, Llangrannog, New Quay Harbour and Tresaith all retaining Blue Flag status as well as being awarded a Seaside Award.

Cilborth, Llanrhystud, Mwnt and Penbryn all won Green Coast Awards, as well as Seaside Awards, with Aberystwyth South, Clarach and Traeth y Dolau all winning Seaside Awards.

This is the third year in a row that the six Blue Flag beaches have won the status.

To win a Blue Flag or Green Coast Award, beaches must have the highest water quality standard, as well as be judged highly for the provision of facilities and for good management and safety provision.

Seaside Award winners must pass standards about public facilities, water quality, safety provision and management.

Lesley Griffiths, the Welsh Government Cabinet secretary for environment and rural affairs, praised the beaches across Wales that had been recognised.

She said: “We all know Wales has some of the most stunning coastline anywhere in the world. Our beaches and coastal areas have long been a magnet for visitors from far and wide as well as being hugely popular with local communities.

“The fact 50 sites can now proudly fly the Blue Flag and 98 sites in total have been recognised the quality of their water and facilities is excellent news. This can only have a positive effect on tourism and, in turn, provide a welcome boost for the economy.”

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