WHITESANDS is one of the best beaches in the world - and that's official.

The north Pembrokeshire shoreline is not only the top beach destination in Wales, but ranks in the top 20 worldwide, beating the likes of Bora Bora and Natadola in Fiji.

A new formula devised by Dr Dimitrios Buhalis, of the University of Surrey, has revealed that the world's best beach holiday destinations are based on scientific fact.

The formula was applied to more than 250 resorts across the world, using the quality of beach, weather, entertainment, culture, activities, familiarity and friendliness, shopping, time to destination in hours and total cost as a percentage of annual income, to calculate the result.

Councillor Rob Lewis, Cabinet member for Leisure and Tourism, said: "We're delighted to have confirmed what we've always known - that Whitesands is one of the best beaches in the world.

"It's a fantastic beach in a wonderful, unspoilt area and we work very hard to keep it that way."

The popular Blue Flag beach is cleaned daily by the county council in the peak season. The authority also provides a lifeguard service, public toilets, safety equipment and information noticeboards.

A Countryside Council for Wales My Special Place poll has placed Tenby and St Davids in the top ten for July. The CCW is asking visitors at the Royal Welsh Show this week to nominate a special place where they go to enjoy nature's peace and quiet.

The top destination will receive a special award from the Wales Tourist Board this autumn.