A Felixstowe beach is flying high after being named as one of country's best beaches by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, joining an elite of seaside towns scooping Blue Flag and Seaside Awards this year.

With the current travel restrictions and the likelihood of foreign holidays being

cancelled, a day trip to a beach is likely to be the highlight of most people's summer

this year and visitors can be assured the resort's south and pier stretch of beach is among the best.

Mayor of Felixstowe, councillor Mark Jepson, said: "We are delighted to announce that Felixstowe has been recognised as one of the country's best beaches. To be awarded a Blue Flag, beaches must comply with several criteria covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, safety, and services.

"It was a great team effort to achieve these awards and thanks must go to Felixstowe Town Council, Felixstowe Forward, East Suffolk Council as well as the army of volunteer litter-pickers who play a huge part in keeping the beach clean.

"We urge anyone visiting our fantastic beach to leave the beach as they find it, respect our resort and dispose of litter appropriately."

The Seaside Award recognises and rewards beaches in England that achieve the

highest standards of beach management and, in the case of bathing beaches, meet

the required standards for water quality. Felixstowe consistently meets the criteria

for 'excellent' international bathing water quality standards and is the only beach in Suffolk to meet this exacting standard required for the Blue Flag.

The Blue Flag will be raised and flying across Felixstowe from tomorrow (Wednesday August 5) as seafront services resume following COVID-19 guidelines.

Avid sea-swimmer and Town Councillor, Seamus Bennett, who helped bring the project together said: "On behalf of all our residents and our many visitors to our beaches, I would like to congratulate our hardworking team for the work that they have done in bringing the Blue Flag back to Felixstowe.

"The water quality has been rated 'excellent' for years so Felixstowe deserves this recognition, the result of community spirit at its best."

To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, its programmes and campaigns visit: www.keepbritaintidy.org