Pembrokeshire’s beaches remain firmly in the top division!

The county’s beaches have once again been awarded more Blue Flags than any other local authority in Wales.

This year’s Blue Flag Awards — the most prestigious beach award in Europe – were announced on Monday.

Pembrokeshire has won 13 of the coveted awards – the same as last year.

The award winning beaches are: Amroth, Broad Haven (North), Coppet Hall, Dale, Lydstep, Newgale, Newport, Poppit Sands, Saundersfoot, Tenby Castle, Tenby North, Tenby South and Whitesands.

Councillor Rob Lewis, cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said he was delighted that once again Pembrokeshire was leading the way in Wales.

“It’s proof – if any were needed – that Pembrokeshire is one of the top spots in Britain to enjoy a beach holiday,” he said.

“To have 13 beaches worthy of Blue Flag status is a recognition of all the hard work that we, and other agencies, have done to achieve this.”

The prestigious Blue Flag Award, which is run in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy, takes into account 30 criteria including bathing water quality and facilities such as public toilets and lifeguards.

Overall in Wales 41 beaches and five marinas qualified for the award this year compared to 45 beaches and five marinas last year.

Pembrokeshire was also awarded 13 Green Coast awards for rural beaches – two less than last year.

Green Coast award winning beaches are: Abereiddy, Barafundle, Broadhaven South, Caerfai, Caldey Island, Cwm-yr-Eglwys, Druidston, Freshwater East, Marloes, Martins Haven, Penally, West Dale and Manorbier.

In addition the county has been awarded 32 Seaside Awards – more than any other county in Wales.

Pendine, which has flown the Blue Flag for the past two years, did not apply this year. It was known the beach would not meet the criteria as its current manager, Pendine Community Council, had decided to allow vehicles back on to the sands. k