WEYMOUTH has been crowned one of the country's best beaches.

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has today announced Weymouth as one of the winners of the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for summer 2022.

The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, are aimed at improving the quality of England’s coastline and promoting the country’s best beaches.

The competition judges criteria on safety and services, such as first and lifeguards, environmental information including displaying details about local ecosystems, its water quality and it management of litter and waste management.

Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Ann Weaving, said: “I’m delighted that our beautiful beach has once again received the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, showing that Weymouth beach is among the best in the country. It’s testament to the hard work of Weymouth Town Council and our partners that we continue to receive these awards year after year.

“I’d especially like to thank our dedicated resort team who work seven days a week to ensure that Weymouth beach is a safe and enjoyable place to be for residents and visitors. Well done Team Weymouth.”

Blue Flag is an international award managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education. It is only presented to well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes, while Seaside Awards are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of our coastline.

Weymouth Town Council’s Resort Manager Will Holmes added: “Super excited to see Weymouth beach – the jewel on the Jurassic coastline – listed among the best beaches in the country by Keep Britain Tidy. Gaining this accolade is a real community effort so it’s great to see residents care as passionately as we do about the beach and the environment. The awards represent our ongoing commitment to provide a safe, clean and well-managed space for all to enjoy.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: “The success of Weymouth beach in reaching the high standards demanded is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our blue spaces – from beach managers and volunteers to local residents and businesses. The huge commitment needed to maintain marvellous beaches worthy of these awards cannot be underestimated.

“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.”