Tourist beaches across the region are wearing sunny smiles after being given Blue Flag awards - six months after they were given a black eye by the worst storm surge for 30 years.

Eastern Daily Press: Blue flags will be flying over six Norfolk and Suffolk beaches this summer. Photo: Nick Butcher.Blue flags will be flying over six Norfolk and Suffolk beaches this summer. Photo: Nick Butcher. (Image: EDP pics © 2006)

Determined efforts all along the coast have repaired smashed proms to restore facilities needed to win the accolade.

Eastern Daily Press: Sheringham beach has been awarded a blue flag. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLYSheringham beach has been awarded a blue flag. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

And North Norfolk is leading the way with four of the six Blue Flags set to flutter along its once-shattered shoreline.

Eastern Daily Press: Arthur Farenden-Lee with his dad Tom enjoy Southwold Beach.Arthur Farenden-Lee with his dad Tom enjoy Southwold Beach.

The district council's cabinet member for the coast Angie Fitch-Tillet said: 'It is something for the community to be proud of.

Eastern Daily Press: Cromer promenade after sea surges last December .PHOTO: ANTONY KELLYCromer promenade after sea surges last December .PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2013)

'The clear-ups have involved volunteer litter pickers as well as council staff and contractors in a team effort.'

After the worst storm surge for 30 years in December smashed seafronts, she just wanted to get the proms cleaned up and holes filled in to make them safe.

'Winning the awards is a big boost to promoting our tourism,' added Mrs Fitch-Tillett.

The awards are handed out by the Keep Britain Tidy group, whose coastal awards co-ordinator Lynsey Atherton said: 'It is incredible that sites have been cleared up ready to welcome the visitors.'

Extra checks were done after the December damage to ensure resorts initially judged checked last summer had bounced back.

Not everywhere had been able to manage it with some beaches in Yorkshire and the South Coast unable to restore access - so the Blue Flags, which were already a major achievement, were especially well-won this year.

Fifty-six blue flags - a hallmark of highest water quality and facilities - have been approved and 112 slightly lower seaside awards which still recognise good water and management.

North Norfolk's clocking up four blue flags, and one seaside award - at East Runton - makes it equal second in the country when it comes to concentrations of award-winning beaches.

Thanet in Kent, with seven, had the most Blue Flags.

North Norfolk's four was on a par with Poole, Torbay, Bournemouth, Tendring along with the Isle of Wight - which topped the overall table with four Blue Flags and 13 seaside awards.

Keep Britain Tidy programmes director Richard McIlwain said holidaymakers and daytrippers sought clean, safe beaches, with good water quality and facilities when deciding places to visit.

'The sight of the Blue Flag or Seaside Award flying gives visitors the reassurance that they'll have a great time,' he added.