Sandown's golden sands have been named among 17 UK beaches to receive a prestigious accolade in recognition of how clean they are.
It comes after environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy announced the winners of the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for summer 2022.
In total, 33 beaches across the South East have been presented with an award recognising the quality of the beach, the way it is managed and the facilities it offers to visitors.
The Blue Flag is an international award. This year 17 beaches across the region have met the high standard required:
- Brighton Central - Brighton and Hove Council
- Hove Lawns - Brighton and Hove Council
- Tankerton - Canterbury City Council
- Marina St Leonards - Hastings Borough Council
- Hayling Island Beachlands - Havant Borough Council
- Sandown - Sandown Town Council
- Sheerness Beach - Swale Borough Council
- Leysdown Beach - Swale Borough Council
- Minster Leas - Swale Borough Council
- Botany Bay - Thanet District Council
- Joss Bay - Thanet District Council
- Minnis Bat - Thanet District Council
- West Bay - Thanet District Council
- St Mildreds - Thanet District Council
- Margate Main Sands - Thanet District Council
- Stone Bay - Thanet District Council
- West Wittering Beach – West Wittering Estate plc
Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said:
“The success of these beaches in reaching the very high standards demanded is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our blue spaces.
“People who visit a beach flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards.”
The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are aimed at improving the quality of England’s coastline and promoting the country’s best beaches.
Springvale beach in Seaview
In addition to Sandown seafront's success, Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council's Seagrove and Springvale beaches have received Keep Britain Tidy's Seaside Award.
Seaside Awards celebrate the quality and diversity of the UK coastline, while Blue Flag awards also encompass additional environmental education activities.