Sandown Beach is among 17 to be flying a prestigious Blue Flag this season, as it was in 2021 when it also won the award.

In their 35 year, the accolades recognise and celebrate region’s best seaside spots.

St Helens, Seagrove and Springvale have all won Seaside Awards for 2022.

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy runs the schemes and has today (Friday) announced the winners.

Isle of Wight County Press: Over Sandown Pier. Picture by Marisa Green.Over Sandown Pier. Picture by Marisa Green.

In total, 33 beaches across the south east have been presented with an award to recognise quality, the way it is managed and the facilities it offers.

Sandown beach is the only Blue Flag beach on the Isle of Wight.

It joins Brighton, Hastings, Hayling Island and Margate, in the region, as well as host of beaches across Dorset.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: "The success of these beaches in reaching the very high standards demanded is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our blue spaces – from beach managers and volunteers to local residents and businesses.

"The huge commitment needed to maintain marvellous beaches worthy of these awards cannot be underestimated.

"People who visit a beach flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards."