2:39pm Wednesday 19th March 2008
A total of 33 Pembrokeshire beaches - the most in Wales - have qualified to fly the coveted blue and yellow Seaside Award flag for the next 12 months.
To achieve Seaside Award status, the award-winning beaches will have attained the European Union minimum standard of bathing water quality and met a long list of strictly monitored land-based criteria.
Of the 33 beaches in Pembrokeshire, 22 were awarded to 'rural' beaches that will have met 13 land-based criteria.
The remaining 11 beaches are classified as 'resort' beaches and will have met 26 criteria. These include dog ban areas, general safety, arrangements for disabled users and a range of requirements aimed at enhancing visitor enjoyment.
Pembrokeshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure, Rob Lewis, said: "Once again we top the Welsh league table for the number of award-winning beaches.
"It's a tremendous achievement and a tribute to the number of agencies who work together to achieve this high quality with our beaches."
The awards are co-ordinated in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy. Its Chief Executive, Tegryn Jones commented: "The achievements of our national rugby team and the fact that 111 Welsh beaches have attained Seaside Award status demonstrate how team effort can bring success and national joy."
The Seaside Award beaches in Pembrokeshire are: Resort - Broad Haven (North); Dale; Lydstep; Newgale; Newport Sands; Poppit Sands; Saundersfoot; Tenby Castle; Tenby North; Tenby South; Whitesands Rural - Abereiddi; West Angle; Barafundle; Broadhaven (South); Caerfai Bay; Coppet Hall; Cwm yr Eglwys; Freshwater East; Gelliswick; Goodwick Sands; Little Haven; Manorbier; Marloes Sands; Martins Haven; Nolton Haven; Penally; Pwllgwaleod; Sandy Haven; St Brides Haven; West Dale; Wiseman's Bridge; Druidstone Haven.
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