Suffolk beaches pass European Union tests on water quality

Southwold beach is one of three in Suffolk that met European water quality standards

Beaches in Suffolk have passed European water quality tests.

The Environment Agency found all 31 designated bathing beaches checked in Norfolk, Suffolk and north Essex satisfied the standards.

In Suffolk, samples were taken from Felixstowe, Lowestoft and Southwold between May and September.

John Daniels, of the Environment Agency, said the results showed water quality had continued to match the "highest criteria".

But he warned more work was needed to comply with tougher rules set to come into force in 2015.

"We are delighted all our bathing waters continue to meet the highest criteria for water quality, " he said.

"However, stricter new standards come into force in 2015 and we are not resting on our laurels."

Each year European Union-designated bathing water sites are tested for various types of bacteria.

Officials take 20 samples from each site between 1 May and 30 September to check on the water quality.