PARENTS have voted Weymouth one of the best family-friendly beaches in the country in a survey out today.

A poll of 1,000 parents by Mother and Baby magazine asked which beaches could be enjoyed by families, as part of a survey to find out if Britain was family- friendly.

Weymouth beach scored highly for its safety and cleanliness and for offering a traditional seaside experience, according to the magazine.

The resort grabbed third place in the poll beaten into first spot by Bournemouth, with St Ives the runner-up.

Magazine Editor, Dani Zur said: "Our parents have voted for Weymouth because they like clean and safe beaches and there aren't many beaches in Britain like that."

"Parents want the traditional experience still, not a £10 white knuckle ride, they want the kind of experience they had when they were children, building sandcastles, playing in the sea and having an ice-cream as a treat."

Weymouth and Portland economic and tourism committee chairman, Coun Brian Ellis, said that the council was delighted with the results and had always concentrated on children's facilities at the beach.

"We have a lost children centre and we have a clean, safe beach and bathing areas that people will want to take their children to," he said.

Visitors to the beach agreed wholeheartedly with the survey.

"I can't believe how clean it is," said Chris De Guelle, on holiday in Weymouth for the first time from Jersey with his wife Sue and children Natalie, twelve and Alex, 10.

Shirley Keating, of Carlton Road South, whose daughter Helen Townsend, husband John and granddaughters Abigail, three-and-a-half and Amy, seven months, were visiting Weymouth from Notting-ham, said that she thought the beach was very clean and well looked after.

"It's very safe for children and for swimming, it must be one of the best in the country, " she said.

Chickerell resident, Mrs Pat Holloway, who was at the beach with her seven-year-old granddaughter, Emily, said: "It's very family oriented.

"There are all the amusements for children so there is always something to keep them occupied, which is good if you want to come for the whole day. We think it's wonderful."