Two more Kent beaches have been awarded a coveted Blue Flag, the international mark denoting the world's best bathing spots.

Thanet still boasts the southeast's most Blue Flags, but Sheppey now has three of its own with the addition this year of Leysdown and Minster Leas.

Tankerton has also gained a Seaside Award - Keep Britain Tidy’s own gong highlighting top cleanliness standards.

Ramsgate Main Sands has retained its flag after it was upgraded last year.

Both the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are the quality marks for beaches and mean those visiting them can be sure that they are clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards.

The water also has to meet tough quality standards.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Coastal Awards manager Paul Todd said: "It is great that we have been able to award more beaches this year with Blue Flag and Seaside Awards.

"As an environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy is committed to improving the quality of the places where people live, work and holiday and these winners have proved their commitment to providing the best possible beaches for locals and visitors alike.

"The public can be sure, if they visit a Blue Flag or Seaside Award winning beach, that they are visiting one of the best beaches in the world".