BEACHES in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire have once again made a big splash in the annual Wales Coast Awards.

Run by the environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, the awards recognise high standards of beach management and water quality.

In Ceredigion, the coveted Blue Flag award included beaches at Llangrannog, Tresaith and Aberporth, while in Pembrokeshire, Poppit Sands landed the top accolade.

A Ceredigion Council spokesman said: "Ceredigion’s beaches have once again proved to be among the best, not only in Wales, but in the world.

"The awards are a mark of quality and it’s great to see Blue Flags and Seaside Awards flags flying at Ceredigion’s most popular bathing beaches again this year.

"Although Ceredigion’s coastline and beaches attract visitors throughout the year, this is an excellent start to the traditional holiday season and we look forward to a busy summer."

Ceredigion's Blue Flag beaches are at Borth, Aberystwyth North, New Quay Harbour, Llangrannog, Tresaith and Aberporth.

Seaside Awards have gone to Borth, Clarach, Aberystwyth North, Aberystwyth South, Llanrhystud, New Quay Harbour, New Quay Dolau, Llangrannog, Cilborth - Llangrannog, Tresaith, Aberporth, Mwnt and Penbryn.

Ceredigion's Green Coast beaches are at Llanrhystud, Mwnt, Penbryn and Cilborth – Llangrannog.

Pembrokeshire's Blue Flag beaches are located at Amroth, Coppet Hall, Saundersfoot, Tenby North, Tenby Castle, Tenby South, Lydstep, Dale, Broad Haven North, Newgale, Whitesands and Poppit Sands.

A total of 14 Pembrokeshire beaches have gained the Greencoast Awards – which highlight the ‘hidden gems’ along the coastline. The awards recognise beaches that have excellent water quality, but are better known for their natural, unspoilt environment.

The Pembrokeshire Greencoast Awards go to; Caldey Island, Penally, Manorbier, Freshwater East, Barafundle, Broad Haven South, Martins Haven, Marloes, Druidston, Caerfai, Abereiddy, Cwm-yr-Eglwys, West Dale and West Angle.

A total of 29 beaches in Pembrokeshire have also gained Seaside Awards for their good water quality and facilities.

Pembrokeshire leisure services manager Chris Payne said: “It’s just good to see that Pembrokeshire is being recognised for its excellent beaches. The fact that it has received so many awards reflects the excellent environmental quality and successful local partnership approach to the management of beaches.”