Beaches in Denbighshire and Conwy can once again count themselves among some of the best in the world.

Following the Keep Britain Tidy awards today (Thursday), Prestatyn's Central beach can continue to fly its Blue Flag - the international gold standard of clean, safe beaches - while Rhyl Central and Abergele Pensarn have retained their official Seaside Award stamp of quality - joined from today by Kinmel Bay.

This year’s winners will be presented with their flags at a ceremony today on Cromer Pier, hosted by North Norfolk District Council.

Councillor Tony Thomas, cabinet lead member for housing, regulation and the environment, welcomed the news: “This is a great achievement for both Prestatyn Central and Rhyl Central beaches. Both resorts are known for their high quality beaches that help to attract thousands of visitors to the Denbighshire coastline year after year.

“To receive national recognition for quality is a testament to the hard work being carried out by the Council, its partners and the local community in keeping our beaches safe and clean. Above all, we want to make sure that local residents and visitors have the best possible experience.”

In order to qualify for its 11th Blue Flag since 2005, Prestatyn Central beach had to pass an annual series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria judged by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The beach, located between the Ffrith and Barkby beaches, is now one of just 47 in Wales - and 113 across the UK - to earn top honours.

The recognition for Rhyl, Pensarn and Kinmel Bay - which last year earned a Green Coast Award - beaches is part of Keep Britain Tidy’s own scheme for the beaches that meet their very highest standards for cleanliness and facilities, and sees them join 80 others throughout Wales.