THREE of Southend’s beaches have retained their prestigious Blue Flag, with all seven awarded the Seaside Award.

Announced by Keep Britain Tidy, it means that East Beach, Shoebury Common and Thorpe Bay beaches will join 65 others across England in flying a Blue Flag Award this Summer.

The awards are the quality marks for our beaches and mean those visiting them can be sure that they are clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as the tough international bathing water quality standards.

In addition, Chalkwell, Jubilee, Bell Wharf and Three Shells will join another 110 that have been presented with the Seaside Award by Keep Britain Tidy. The Seaside Award recognises beaches that are well-managed and maintained.

Scott Dolling, Director of Culture, Tourism and Property, said: “This is fantastic news for Southend’s visitor economy which supports around 7,000 jobs and brings over 6 million visitors to our town each year.

“It is extra pleasing as this is the first full summer season we are entering with our seafront lagoon project complete, which enables visitors to bathe in the sea even when the tide is out.”