TEN Blue Flags will be flying over Pembrokeshire’s beaches this year after the presentation of the prestigious awards to the county council.

Amroth, Broadhaven Central, Coppet Hall, Dale, Lydstep, Newgale, Tenby North, Tenby South, Whitesands and Saundersfoot all met the stringent criteria for cleanliness, water quality and safety to achieve the standard.

But a marginal failure on water quality conditions has robbed one popular beach of its Blue Flag this year.

As the Western Telegraph revealed last month, Castle Beach was unable to apply for the flag because of this, and the reason for the failure is currently under investigation by Natural Resources Wales.

However, it still qualified to join the Blue Flag winners in the Seaside Resort awards.

The Blue Flag is an international award and is acknowledged by 46 countries around the world, while Seaside Resort, Seaside Rural and Green Coast awards are given only in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Pembrokeshire’s Green Coast beaches are Abereiddy, Barafundle, Broadhaven South, Cwm yr Eglwys, Druidston Haven, Freshwater East, Manorbier, Marloes Sands, Martin’s Haven, Penally, Caldey’s Priory Bay and West Dale, while Seaside Rural accolades go to Abereiddy, Barafundle, Broadhaven South, Cwm yr Eglwys, Druidston Haven, Freshwater East, Manorbier, Marloes Sands, Martin’s Haven, Penally, Poppit West, Sandy Haven, Nolton Haven, Newport North, Gelliswick, Goodwick Sands, Little Haven, St Brides Haven, West Angle and Wisemans Bridge.

Said Councillor David Pugh, cabinet member for economy and tourism: “We are very proud to achieve these prominent awards, beause they show how much we value Pembrokeshire’s many beauty spots, which are so important for the county’s tourism industry.

“We hope to maintain this high standard of cleanliness and safety on these beaches, and hope to retain the awards next year.”