Seven beaches rated as excellent for water quality

The beaches at Walton-on-the-Naze (foreground) and Frinton-on-Sea (in the distance) have both had "excellent" ratings

Seven beaches in Essex have been handed an excellent water quality rating by the Environment Agency.

The beaches were Walton, Frinton, Holland-on-Sea, Clacton, Jaywick, Dovercourt and Brightlingsea.

Independent councillor Mick Barry, Tendring District Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said the results would help boost tourism and local pride.

Nationally, 87% of bathing waters were rated excellent or good and 93% met minimum standards, marking a slight improvement on last year.

Clacton's Martello beach, also known as Martello Bay, received a good rating this year and Manningtree beach was upgraded to good after receiving a sufficient rating last year.

Holland and Jaywick have also moved up to the top rating.

Brightlingsea's water quality rating is in addition to the Blue Flag award it received earlier this year

Barry said: "Our Essex Sunshine Coast is one of the district's greatest assets – and these latest water quality ratings show it's among the best in the country," he said.

"Clean, safe bathing waters give confidence to residents and visitors, encouraging people to stay longer and enjoy everything our coastline has to offer."

'Special' district

Earlier this year, Tendring announced seven beaches were flying Keep Britain Tidy's Blue Flags or Seaside Awards, which are separate ratings recognising high standards of cleanliness, safety and facilities.

Walton's Albion Beach regained its Blue Flag after water quality improvements, and other beaches such as Harwich and Martello Bay in Clacton received Seaside Awards.

Independent councillor Adrian Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "Water quality in Tendring matters to all of us.

"With 36 miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches and wildlife areas in the country, it's a big part of what makes our district special."