Three of Southend’s beaches are set to be presented with prestigious Blue Flag Awards.

Shoebury’s East Beach, along with Shoebury Common Beach and Thorpe Bay Beach, have been handed the international accolade by charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The Blue Flag signifies that the three beaches are among the best in the world after meeting the highest standards for cleanliness, facilities and water quality.

In addition, Chalkwell Beach, Jubilee Beach, Bell Wharf Beach and Three Shells Beach – along with the Blue Flag Award-winning beaches – have been presented with the Seaside Award by Keep Britain Tidy.

The Seaside Award recognises beaches that are well-managed and maintained.

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John Lamb, the leader of Southend Council, is looking forward to seeing the Blue Flags flying.

He said: “Both awards are the quality marks for our beaches and mean those visiting them can be sure that they are clean and safe and meet the highest environmental standards.

“Southend welcomes over 6 million visitors per year.

“With Blue Flag and Seaside Awards flying above our beaches, residents and visitors will know that they are the best in the country.

“We want everyone to enjoy our beaches and help keep them award-winning. We are all aware of the damage our waste causes to marine life and so we can all personally make a difference by disposing of rubbish responsibly when visiting the seaside.”

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Blue Flag beaches must run a minimum of five educational activities for the local community and visitors to make people aware of the importance of looking after the natural environment.

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “Blue Flag and Seaside Awards set the standard for our beaches, including the war against the litter and plastic that does so much damage to our marine environment.

“It’s brilliant to see so many beaches in the East of England and the rest of the country winning Blue Flag and Seaside Award status this year, thanks to the dedication and hard work of beach staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards.”

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The flags will be presented to the winners at a ceremony held at Norfolk’s Cromer Pier today.