BEACHES across Bournemouth, Poole and Purbeck will once again fly the prestigious Blue Flag.

The accolade recognises coastal destinations that have achieved the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, commitment to the environment and management.

This year, awarded beaches include Branksome Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Swanage, Southbourne, Canford Cliffs and Alum Chine, as well as the stretch by Manor Steps.

Sandbanks has received its 32nd award in a row.

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “Visiting beaches with the Blue Flag or Seaside Award status means beach-goers can feel more relaxed in a setting that is environmentally considerate."

A number of our beaches were also handed 'seaside awards'.

Blue Flag awards:

Sandbanks, Poole

Shore Road, Poole

Canford Cliffs, Poole

Branksome Chine, Poole

Alum Chine, Bournemouth

Manor Steps, Bournemouth

Durley Chine, Bournemouth

Fisherman's Walk, Southbourne

Southbourne

Seaside Awards:

Bournemouth Pier

Boscombe Pier

Alum Chine, Bournemouth

Manor Steps, Bournemouth

Durley Chine, Bournemouth

Southbourne

Fisherman's Walk, Southbourne

Branksome Chine, Poole

Canford Cliffs, Poole

Shore Road, Poole

Sandbanks, Poole

Avon Beach, Christchurch

Friars Cliff Beach, Christchurch

Highcliffe Beach, Christchurch