Saltburn and Redcar beaches fly the flag for the region

Saltburn has once again been named a Blue Flag award winner, Keep Britain Tidy's highest award.

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

It is the fourth year in a row that Saltburn beach has won the Blue Flag and it is just one of seven in the North East and 80 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 the required standards for water quality.

Councillor Louise Westbury, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Culture at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said:

“Everyone involved should be very proud - these awards are not given lightly.

“And it is wonderful for Saltburn and Redcar beaches to be awarded at a time when people are still choosing to holiday at home. It's great to be able to ensure all our visitors and residents can enjoy the best our coastline has to offer.

“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 great.

“There is an army of volunteers who litter pick and go the extra mile right through the year to help keep the beaches looking great. They are all heroes.

“I’d also like to thank our dedicated partners, including Northumbrian Water, the Environment Agency, the RNLI and all the volunteering groups across the borough who have a passion for our beaches and do so much in their own time to make sure the highest standards are being met.

“We urge anyone visiting our much-loved beaches to dispose of their litter appropriately and leave it clean and tidy so others can enjoy its beauty too."

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said:

“The success of Saltburn and Redcar beaches in reaching the high standards demanded is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our blue spaces – from beach managers and volunteers to local residents and businesses.

"The huge commitment needed to maintain marvellous beaches worthy of these awards cannot be underestimated.

“People who visit a beach flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards.”

Hear all the latest news from across Teesside on the hour, every hour, on 96.6FM, DAB, at tfmradio.co.uk, and on the TFM app.