Lowestoft and Southwold's beaches and waters have been given glowing recommendations by the organisations which rates their cleanliness and safety.

The beach at Southwold Pier has been awarded a Blue Flag with Kessingland and Lowestoft south beach both receiving Seaside Awards from Keep Britain Tidy.

This was alongside the Environment Agency rating Lowestoft's north and south as good.

In Southwold, the waters close to the pier were rated excellent, while Southwold Dens dropped from good to sufficient.

Ian Graham, mayor of Lowestoft, said: 'I am overwhelmed with joy that we have received the good rating.

'Obviously our swimming areas and beaches are the jewel in Lowestoft's crown.

'When you see the number of people down there in the summer, with children and everyone else enjoying the beaches it is just brilliant.

He added: 'I can only congratulate everyone involved in this achievement.

'We are happy to work with Waveney District Council and Anglia Water in the future to make sure we keep it up.'

Cabinet member for tourism and economic development for Waveney District Council and Suffolk County councillor, Michael Ladd, said: 'It is an unspoilt area and it is very good news for the tourism industry. The award says that those beaches are up to a certain standard which is good to know if you want to come to swim.

'We try to keep it a very traditional seaside destination so we have resisted the other bits and pieces which go with other resorts and that along with the beach is the attraction for people who come to Southwold.'

A spokesman for Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Councils added: 'It is absolutely fantastic news for east Suffolk that our beaches continue to be rated so highly.

'Our beaches are among the main attractions for tourists, as well as being fantastic recreational areas for local families and dog walkers. The fact that we consistently do so well, gives people the confidence to visit the beaches across east Suffolk and be sure that the water quality is excellent, so they can enjoy a swim and a day by the sea in safety.

'We will continue to work closely with the Environment Agency to keep our beaches and sea clean.'