SIX beaches in the North East and North Yorkshire have retained their ranking among the world's best beaches.

Keep Britain Tidy has announced beaches at Tynemouth Longsands, King Edwards Bay, Whitley Bay, Sandhaven, North Bay in Scarborough and Whitby the the international benchmark Blue Flag status.

Sixty-one beaches in England, including five others in Yorkshire, received the award, which is only given to areas of coast with the highest quality of water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.

A spokesman for the charity said: "It is a phenomenal result for Yorkshire to have seven Blue Flag beaches.

"It really says something about beach managers and their tireless efforts running up to and throughout the season.

"To be able to market the coast as a Blue Flag coastline really gives the region a boost."

The charity said Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Seaton Carew Central, Roker and Seaburn in the North East and Scarborough South Bay, Filey, Runswick Bay, Cayton Bay, Sandsend and Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire joined the Blue Flag beaches in receiving its Seaside Award.

Sea Awards recognise recognise different uses of the coast and promote clean, safe, attractive and well-managed stretches.