Six beaches in north Norfolk have been awarded Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for the 2024 season.

Sheringham, Cromer and West Runton retained their Blue Flag status, while East Runton Beach was awarded the Blue Flag again after losing it in 2022.

Both Sheringham and Cromer have impressively held a beach award since 1988.

Eastern Daily Press: Cromer Beach has retained its Blue Flag Cromer Beach has retained its Blue Flag (Image: Antony Kelly)The Blue Flag is an international award for well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes.

Mundesley and Sea Palling achieved Seaside Awards which are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of the country's coastline.

To qualify for both awards, beaches must meet criteria specified by Keep Britain Tidy including water quality, water safety, beach cleanliness and provision of local amenities such as public transport and toilets.

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The Environment Agency conducts regular bathing water testing to monitor the standards and safety of the water for the public.

Eastern Daily Press: East Runton BeachEast Runton Beach (Image: Antony Kelly)A spokesman for North Norfolk District Council said they have been working with the Environment Agency and Anglian Water to see the return of Blue Flags to Mundesley and Sea Palling.

Cllr. Tim Adams, leader of North Norfolk District Council, said: “We’re really proud to have the Blue Flag award returned to East Runton for this year and our thanks go to the officers who have worked with our partners to make this happen.

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"North Norfolk is home to some incredible beaches, but to have six award-winning beaches is an exceptional achievement.”

Cllr. Liz Withington, the portfolio holder for communities, leisure and outreach, added: “We’re exceptionally proud of all of our beaches in north Norfolk and to see them awarded these prestigious awards is a testament to how well looked after they are."

The flags will be raised when the lifeguarding season begins on May 25.