A dozen Kent beaches have been given top seaside awards.

Keep Britain Tidy gave prestigious Blue Flags to nine beaches in Thanet - meaning the district now has more than any other in England.

The anti-litter charity also awarded the status - honouring the highest quality in water, facilities and safety - to Herne Bay and Tankerton for the first time.

Reculver beach also gained a Quality Coast Award, which goes to beaches with clean sands free of litter and dog mess.

It is the fourth year Thanet sandy spots Botany Bay, Joss Bay and Westbrook Bay were named as winners of the Blue Flag status.

Six other Thanet beaches have regained the title.

Minnis Bay, St Mildred's Bay, West Bay in Westgate, Margate main sands, Stone Bay, and Ramsgate main sands lost their Blue Flags last year.

The status was dropped due to freak weather conditions that led to poor water quality results during the summer 2010 season.

Botany Bay has been awarded a Blue Flag for the fourth year

Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: "We urge more holiday-makers to take advantage of the South East's award-winning seaside resorts this summer.

"It's great to see that more beaches along our coastline have achieved high standards of excellence for visitors."

Blue Flags signify the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.

Quality Coast Awards reward beaches that achieve the highest standards of beach management.

Beaches have to meet strict criteria - including clean sands, being free of litter and dog fouling, having good access and facilities and guideline water quality.

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