SALTBURN has again been named a Blue Flag award winner, Keep Britain Tidy’s highest accolade.

And there were also celebrations in Redcar as the beach was named as a UK Seaside Award beach, meaning it has the highest environmental standards.

It is the third year in a row that Saltburn beach has won the Blue Flag and it is just one of four in Yorkshire, six in the North-East and 76 in England to receive the award.

The Blue Flag is given for high-quality seawater, clean beach and beachside amenities.

The Seaside Award recognises and rewards beaches in England that achieve the highest standards of beach management and water quality standards.

Councillor Wayne Davies from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “Everyone involved can be very proud - these awards are not given lightly.

“And it is wonderful for Saltburn and Redcar beaches to be awarded these awards at a time when more and more people are choosing to holiday at home.

"It’s great to be able ensure our visitors that they will be enjoying the best our coastline.

“Thousands of people in the borough and the wider region love those beaches and I know everyone will be grateful for the hard work that goes in to keeping them clean and looking spectacular."

Cllr Davies thanked all the council officers, volunteers and workers from other agencies who all contribute to keeping the beaches clean.

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, Allison Ogden-Newton, said: “This year, more than ever, we are going to be relying on our country’s beautiful beaches to escape for a much-needed break after all the stresses and strains of the past year.

“From environmental education for the community and ensuring responsible beach use, to cleaning regimes and an increasing number of recycling facilities, it is a full-time commitment to create beaches worthy of these awards.”

“As we all plan our 2021 holidays much closer to home, thanks to the Blue Flag and Seaside Award those choosing to holiday in the North-East and Yorkshire near one of its award-winning beach can be assured it will be clean and safe and meet the highest standards for water quality and management.”