THE North-East enjoys some of the best beaches in the country, according to new research.

More than half of the beaches in the region are expected to be classed as excellent following inspections by the Environment Agency.

Saltburn, Seaton Carew’s North Gare, the Stray in Redcar, Whitley Bay and Blyth are some of the best places to dip a toe in the sea, experts have said.

Environment Agency samplers are currently monitoring bathing waters along the North-East coast and have pinpointed several as deserving an excellent rating.

This summer, the region’s beachgoers can rejoice knowing that 18 of its 34 coastal spots are officially excellent and have some of the cleanest bathing water in the country.

The accolades come despite the introduction of tougher new European standards, said to be twice as tough as in previous years.

Environment Agency manager Julie Brooker said: “This is an excellent result for the North-East.

“The Environment Agency has worked hard with local councils, land owners and Northumbrian Water to improve the quality of the bathing water.

“To have over half of our beaches classed as excellent against the new tougher standards prove that the hard work is paying off.”

While the majority of the region’s beaches are expected to be deemed excellent or good, a number of them are sufficient and one has been rated as poor.

Scarborough, Seaham and Cullercoats are among those inspectors believe are sufficient while coastal town Staithes’ beach is believed to be poor.

In response to the stringent new regulations, the Environment Agency is urging people and businesses to work to reduce pollution and improve bathing water quality.

It is working with Northumbria Water on a number of projects aimed at improving bathing water quality, including a large scale coastal project in Saltburn.

Bathing water samples will be gathered throughout the summer with beachgoers invited to view updates at environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/.