THE beaches of Pembrokeshire have again come out on top in the annual Keep Wales Tidy Coast Awards.

At a recent ceremony 132 coastal awards were given to beaches across Wales including 42 in Pembrokeshire.

Eleven beaches will proudly fly the international Blue Flag Award this year, joining 30 more across the country with the total of 41 an increase of eight on last year.

The prestigious award is only awarded to beaches and marinas that boast the highest quality of water, environmental education and management, safety and services. It acts as a guarantee to everyone that a beach is among the finest not only in the country, but around the world.

The beaches are: Amroth, Broadhaven Central, Coppet Hall, Dale, Lydstep, Newgale, Tenby North, Tenby South, Castle Beach Tenby, Whitesands, Saundersfoot.

There were also 12 Green Coast Awards for Pembrokeshire including at Abereiddy, Barafundle, Druidstone, Marloes and Priory Bay, Caldey.

Winners of this award are generally the hidden gems of Wales- beaches that qualify with the highest standard of water quality but are better known for their natural, unspoiled environment.

Among the 19 Pembrokeshire winners of Seaside Awards were Cwm yr Eglwys, Freshwater East, Penally, Gelliswick, Little Haven, Sandy Haven and West Angle.

The awards recognize good water quality and facilities.

Chris Payne, from Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “It’s an honour to be presented with a Blue Flag Award as it helps recognise all of the hard work the council and the community put in to keeping our beaches clean as well as helping to draw in visitors and trade to local businesses in the area. It’s a great stamp of quality for the stretch of coastline we manage all year round.”