A popular Kent beach has lost its blue flag status in the 2018 Seaside Awards.

Joss Bay at Broadstairs, which is popular with surfers, has been stripped of the prestigious rating it enjoyed last year, although it hangs on to its Seaside Award.

Thanet remains top of the beach leader board in Kent with six of the county's 10 blue flags to its credit, including a new one for Margate main sands.

Meanwhile Sheppey has three blue flag beaches and another can be found at Tankerton Marina.

The awards scheme is run by Keep Britain Tidy and for a beach to win a blue flag, it must meet especially high standards of water quality and environmental management, education and information.

The group has also revealed its Seaside Awards winners for 2018, for which a slightly less stringent set of criteria applies, focussing on management and information.

Cllr Jason Savage, deputy leader at Thanet District Council said: “Thanet is one of the UK’s fastest growing tourism economies and our beautiful, sandy beaches help us attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

"We are delighted that 10 of them have been recognised by Keep Britain Tidy as amongst the country’s best.

"These awards are emblematic of the team's commitment and dedication to keeping our beaches clean and safe for everyone to enjoy."

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “The success of the 148 beaches in reaching the very high standards demanded by both awards is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our beaches – from beach managers and volunteers to local people and businesses.

“When you enjoy a trip to a beach flying an international Blue Flag or Seaside Award, you know you are on one of the safest, cleanest and very best in the country.”