Holidaymakers rate South West beaches 'best' in Britain

Woolacombe was ranked second in the UK and fifth best beach in Europe

Seven of the "best" beaches in the UK are in the South West, according to holidaymakers.

The Traveller Choice Beach Awards were voted for by TripAdvisor's online reviewers.

Woolacombe in Devon which came second - beaten only by Rhossili Bay in Swansea - was also rated as the fifth best beach in Europe.

Two of Cornwall's beaches made the top 10, while Dorset had three and Jersey had one.

Cornwall did particularly well in the awards, with Porthminister beach in St Ives rated as third best in the UK and ninth best in Europe, while Perranporth was ranked in thirteenth place and Godrevy Head in Hayle came twenty-fifth.

Malcolm Bell, head of Tourism Cornwall, said the results were "great" for the county.

"Cornwall is blessed with two magnificent coasts, wonderful fishing harbours as well as over 300 beaches and it is great news that TripAdvisor users have recognised not only the quantity of beaches but more importantly their quality."