A North East beach has came out top in a major awards - and chances are you've been to it, especially over the summer.
Sandhaven Beach in South Shields has been named UK beach of the year according to The Sunday Times annual best beaches guide.
The Blue Flag beach, which means it is also one of the tidiest in Britain, is near the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park and Haven Point.
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It is extremely popular and sees thousands flock there every single day during the summer, while it is popular with dog walkers throughout the winter period.
Unveiling the winner on July 1, The Sunday Times said more than 800 beaches were visited around the UK's coast.
Chris Haslam, the paper's chief travel writer, whittled down South Shields among 50 of the best across the entire country.
The guide highlights the world-beating magnificence of the British seaside and gives readers a description of the scenery and setting.
It also gives all the practical information needed to plan a beach day, including car parking, toilets, refreshments, shops and accommodation.
Chris Haslam said: "This has been the 15th circumnavigation of the British coast for me, and the second for my Jack Russell assistant Dave T. Dog.
"Over eight weeks we've seen sunrises and sunsets, sand and shingle, surfed with dolphins and kayaked with seals.
"We've navigated canyon-like lanes to empty coves, queued to get onto urban hotspots, and, in one case, swam through a tunnel to reach an otherwise inaccessible bay.
"This is the most comprehensive and detailed beach guide available and it proves that, when the sun is shining, our beaches are the most beautiful on earth."
Among the top 50, seven of the beaches are in the North East and North Yorkshire.
Best beaches in the North
BEACH OF THE YEAR: Sandhaven, South Shields
Howdiemont Sands, Northumberland
Newton Steads and Football Hole, Northumberland
St Aidan’s Dunes, Northumberland
Whitby West, North Yorkshire
Cornelian Bay, North Yorkshire
Redcar Coatham, North Yorkshire
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