EIGHT of Conwy County’s beaches have been named amongst the country’s best beaches by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy

Four beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag, a world renowned eco-label for water quality, environmental awareness, protection, safety and services.

The Blue Flag beaches are: Llandudno West Shore, Llanfairfechan, Porth Eirias and Rhos/Colwyn Bay.

A further four beaches - Abergele/Pensarn, Kinmel Bay, Llandudno North Shore and Penmaenmawr - won the Seaside Award, the national standard for the best beaches across the UK that ensures visitors are guaranteed to find a clean, attractive and well managed coastal stretch.

The coast awards play a vital role in protecting our precious marine environment and are recognised around the world as a symbol of quality. From popular resorts to hidden gems, all award-winning beaches must meet and maintain the highest environmental standards and achieve tough international bathing water quality targets.

Cllr Greg Robbins, Conwy County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transportation, said: “We are pleased that four popular beaches in Conwy County Borough have achieved Blue Flag status and that four others have gained Seaside Awards for their good water quality and facilities.

"Our beaches and natural environment have provided welcome opportunities for recreation and exercise for residents over the period of the pandemic. They also form a vital part of our tourism offer and local economy as restrictions ease.

"We hope everyone can enjoy our wonderful beaches, and I’d urge people to respect and protect the environment when they visit.”

Lesley Jones, Keep Wales Tidy’s chief executive, said: “We are lucky to have some of the world’s best beaches and marinas on our doorstep. The success is a testament to everyone who has worked so hard to protect and improve our beaches and keep our coast clean and safe.”

“With local services under immense pressure due to Covid-19, we all needed to pull together to look after our natural environment. We hope that visitors returning to our stunning coastline will cherish it more than ever and enjoy our beaches responsibly."