A POPULAR beach has retained its title as one of the best in the country.

Dovercourt Bay has once again been given the internationally recognised Blue Flag Award, which requires stringent cleanliness and safety checks, the highest environmental standards and conforming to high quality water bathing levels.

Harwich beach has also been given a seaside award by Keep Britain Tidy.

Heather Burwood, of Harwich and Dovercourt Beach Hut Association (right) said: “It is fantastic news and I am absolutely over the moon.

“We have a lovely bay and it is fantastic to know we have retained the Blue Flag– it is a mark of quality and a real stamp of approval.

“Last weekend, we attracted windsurfers who were racing out on the water, so it shows how good the beach is, to maintain the standards required with a very commercial port nearby where traffic is going in and out all the time.

“It is our treasure because it is so peaceful and to keep that Blue Flag is a real bonus.”