A DORSET beach has been voted as one of the top 10 in Europe, joining the ranks of seaside resorts in Spain and Greece.

Weymouth beach was voted the ninth best beach in Europe and the number one beach in the UK in the Travellers’ Choice awards for beaches, announced by TripAdvisor.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth beach and Hengistbury Head also made the top 10 beaches in the UK.

Cllr Jason Osborne, briefholder for tourism and culture at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “This award is particularly special for the borough as it is based solely on reviews from people who have visited our resort.

“This is a huge accolade and is recognition of not only the beach but the town. The award reflects the hard work that is done by the borough council and its partners such as Dorset Waste Partnership, local businesses and the community.

“It’s a great start to the year and hopefully signals a successful season ahead for Weymouth and Dorset.”

Bournemouth beach was placed seventh in the UK rankings, beating Rhossili Bay in Wales, and Perranporth beach in Cornwall.

Hengistbury Head was voted the tenth best beach.

La Concha beach in San Sebastian, Spain, which boasts 1,500 metres of white sand, was voted Europe’s number one beach.

Hayley Coleman, of TripAdvisor, said: “UK’s Weymouth beach beating beaches in Sardinia, Greece and Spain this year proves that the UK’s beaches can more than hold their own against destinations with sunnier climes.”