SEVEN stunning beaches across Tendring have been given prestigious awards in recognition of their quality.

The beaches at Brightlingsea, Dovercourt Bay, Harwich, Frinton, Walton-on-the-Naze and the town’s Albion beach, and Martello Bay in Clacton have all been given Seaside Awards.

Dovercourt Bay and Brightlingsea also managed to retain their Blue Flag status, with no Tendring seafronts losing accreditation.

Mick Skeels, Tendring Council cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said the award was a reflection of the importance the authority placed on its seafronts.

“We know what a fantastic asset our beaches are right around the district, not only for our residents but in supporting the tourism industry,” he said.

“That is why we invest so much in them – whether it’s providing the Beach Patrol in the holidays, improving our seafronts and promenades, or even creating beautiful new beaches as we did with the sea defence scheme in Holland-on-Sea.

“Being recognised in this way – and it is not easy to keep, let alone gain, Blue Flag and Seaside Award status – is a great advert for our district.

“But we will not sit back now, and Tendring Council will carry on maintaining these beaches for the benefit of everyone.”