Local beaches have been recognised yet again for their good water quality and facilities in Keep Wales Tidy’s Seaside Awards 2014.

On Thursday 106 Welsh beaches claimed Seaside Awards for 2014, with 50 locations obtaining the Resort Award and a further 56 beaches winning the Rural Award.

Pembrokeshire once again hits the headlines with 31 Seaside Awards for 2014, including Poppit West, Newport North and Cwm yr Eglwys.

Ceredigion celebrates 15 awards including Aberporth, New Quay Harbour, the centre of Llangrannog Bay, Tresaith, Mwnt, Penbryn, Cei Bach, Cwmtydu and New Quay North.

Alun Davies, Minister for Natural Resources, said: “I am delighted that Wales has scooped so many awards for its coast, ranking Welsh beaches among the best in the world. The array of awards reflects the diversity of our beautiful coastline, which is enjoyed by our communities and the millions of visitors to Welsh beaches each year.”

The Seaside Award is run in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy. It recognises beaches that have good public facilities, water quality, safety and management.

The announcement comes hot on the tail of the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards in Wales, which crowned 65 Welsh beaches winners of international coastal awards, ranking them amongst the best in the UK and the world.

Andy Middleton, Natural Resources Wales said: “Our fantastic coastline is an integral part of our economy, a place many of us enjoy visiting and is a haven for wildlife.

"We are delighted that the continued improvement of Wales’ beach quality is recognised by the Coastal Awards, showing that so many of our bathing waters meet the new, higher standards for cleanliness.”

Due to the differing character of the beaches, the Seaside Award is split into two categories, Resort and Rural. A Resort beach attracts many visitors and typically provides good facilities such as toilets, access for disabled people, car parks and cafes. The Rural awarded beaches tend to be quieter, more secluded spots that achieve the ‘mandatory’ EU Bathing Water Directive Standard with good safety and management.

Lesley Jones, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive said: “I am delighted that Wales’ beaches are yet again being celebrated. With so many beautiful venues on our very doorstep, this is the perfect opportunity for Welsh holidaymakers to stay at home, boosting the local economy and tourism industry. We can all play a part in maintaining our beaches and in improving our local environment.”

Keep Wales Tidy holds the annual Clean Coast Week, sponsored by McDonalds, on May 10 to 18. For more information visit www.keepwalestidy.org/cleancoast or call 02920 381736.