HOTELIERS are celebrating after Weymouth beach was given a new award.

Environmental charity and anti-litter campaigners Keep Britain Tidy has chosen the resort as one of its winners of the Quality Coast Award after recognising it as “one of the best in the country.”

The resort won due to its cleanliness, water quality standards, its toilet facilities, the range of beach activities and for the fact that dogs are banned from parts of the beach during summer.

Rob Cole, owner of The Esplanade guest house, said the award recognised how vital it is to keep the beach clean.

He said: “It is really important as it’s the town’s main asset.

“Regardless of what other options there are available whether it’s the Olympics or other things it’s the beach and bathing that’s brought people into town for 200 years and will continue to do so as long as we keep it clean and accessible.

“It’s our biggest asset so we should work to keep it that way and cleaning it every morning is one of the good things the council does so let’s hope they continue to do so.”

Wayne Nicholas, owner of the Spindrift Bed and Breakfast at Brunswick Terrace, said he was happy that the beach’s cleanliness is being promoted by the award.

“It’s great for the beach to be recognised,” he added.

In giving the award Keep Britain Tidy offers beach managers tips on how to maintain standards over a three year period Phil Barton, chief executive, said: “Traditional beach holidays in this country were always centred on our seaside resorts and we urge holiday-makers to rekindle their passion for the wonderful coastline and resorts throughout the South West of England.”

Weymouth’s award comes weeks after visitors to the Trip Advisor tourism website voted Weymouth as the fourth best beaches in the country.

A spokesman for Weymouth & Portland Borough Council said the Quality Coast Award showcased how much work has gone into maintaining the beach.

He said: “This is great news for the borough and a fine accolade for all the great team work and effort provided by beach staff and agencies throughout the year.”

The spokesman said events including July’s Beach Live Music Festival and the Weymouth Beach Volley Ball Classics helped to gain the prize.

He added: “It is recognised that Weymouth beach and seafront provides high standards of beach management and cleanliness, providing a safe and fun open space for its many thousands of visitors.”