THREE of Christchurch's beaches have won awards for their water quality and high standards.

Avon Beach, Friars Cliff Beach and Highcliffe Beach are the winners of the awards, which are judged and presented by the charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Becky Beaumont, community and recreation officer at Christchurch and East Dorset councils, said: “For more than 20 years our beaches have been recognised as clean and safe beaches and we are thrilled to be able to say that yet again we have been awarded Seaside Awards.

“The continued success of our beaches is a testament to the community and recreation team and our fantastic volunteers who work hard to protect and continually improve our very special coastline.’’