A RECORD number of beaches in Bournemouth, Poole and Swanage have won international recognition for their high standards.
Three beaches in Bournemouth and three in Poole today secured the right to fly the prestigious Blue Flag after passing strict tests on bathing water quality, management and visitor facilities
Alum Chine, Durley Chine and Fisherman's Walk retained their awards, along with Sandbanks and Shore Road in Poole and Swanage Central.
Poole's Branksome Chine, a new entry this year, boosted the tally of local awards to seven.
Diane Shakespeare, South West Regional Director of ENCAMS, the charity who organise the Blue Flag programme for Britain, said the record number of awards was "superb news for the South West.
Bournemouth's head of tourism, Ken Male said: "This is a brilliant result.
"It endorsing what we have always known - that Bournemouth is the best," he added.
Clive Smith, head of Poole's leisure services, said: "This award is extremely important to us and we work hard to maintain very high standards for Poole's beaches every year."
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