BATHING waters around the Ceredigion and North Pembrokeshire coasts have been given a clean bill of health.

The Bathing Waters in Wales results for 2017 show 80 of Wales’ 104 bathing areas were excellent and 99 per cent rated as sufficient or higher. In total, 103 of 104 bathing waters in Wales were compliant with European standards, making Welsh bathing water some of the best in Europe.

The only area to fail was at Cemaes in Anglesey.

Llangrannog, Mwnt, New Quay Harbour, Penbryn, Poppit and Tressaith were all rated as excellent.

Aberporth and Newport North were rated good, with New Quay North classified as 'sufficient'.

The Welsh Government’s cabinet secretary for environment and rural affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “Wales has some of the most beautiful coastline which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

"Maintaining our bathing waters to these high standards is essential if we are to continue selling Wales as a holiday destination.

“But this is not just about those visiting Wales. A healthy environment helps to sustain our economy and improves our quality of life. With clean bathing waters, our coast and natural environment will continue to provide huge benefits to people across Wales.

“It is disappointing that despite a lot of hard work and some improvement one area still has not met the European standards but work will continue to address the issues in that area.”

Kevin Ingram, interim chief executive for Natural Resources Wales, said: “This is especially pleasing as the wet summer had a direct impact on water quality across the UK.

“We understand how precious our beaches are to those living or visiting the Welsh coast and we will continue to work with communities, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and local authorities to maintain and improve the results at all our bathing waters.”