Two-thirds of the region’s waters have been rated as ‘excellent’ by the Environment Agency.

Eastern Daily Press: Cromer's promenade, town centre and pier Photo Getty ImagesCromer's promenade, town centre and pier Photo Getty Images (Image: moorhen)

Coastal water from Cromer to Great Yarmouth has been given the top score - leaving swimmers with a choice between a stroll along the pier or a portion of market chips after a dip.

The findings published by the agency show that 12 out of 18 bathing spots across Norfolk and Waveney have been classified as ‘excellent’ - the cleanest rating.

The classifications are based on readings taken over the last four bathing seasons, from 2015 to 2018.

Across the borough of Great Yarmouth, all six of its inshore waters in Hemsby, Caister, Great Yarmouth and Hopton were rated as ‘excellent’.

Eastern Daily Press: Great Yarmouth beach. Photo: Neal TrafankowskiGreat Yarmouth beach. Photo: Neal Trafankowski (Image: Archant)

More: TripAdvisor has revealed the UK’s best beaches - and one of them is in Norfolk.

In north Norfolk five of its six spots have been awarded the cleanest rating with Wells rated as ‘sufficient’ - the minimum standard.

Community protection manager at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Jason Williams, said: “As Norfolk’s top coastal resort, thousands of people will flock to our beautiful coastline this Easter holidays, and our excellent bathing water quality is just another reason to choose the Great Yarmouth borough for your seaside break.

“While it’s still a bit too cold for all but the hardiest people to actually swim in the sea, we’re so proud that visitors can go for a little Easter paddle in the shallows, with the full assurance that our water is of the highest, cleanest quality in England.

Eastern Daily Press: Hunstanton Beach. Picture: Visit NorfolkHunstanton Beach. Picture: Visit Norfolk (Image: Archant)

“As a council, we operate a dedicated beach-cleaning service and also support beach litter-pick events led by dedicated volunteers.”

In Lowestoft, the waters to the north and south of Claremont Pier were both rated as ‘good’.

The bathing water in Heacham and Hunstanton’s main beach were rated as ‘sufficient’ while the water in ‘old’ Hunstanton was recorded as ‘good’.

Leader of the Labour group at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Trevor Wainwright, was delighted to see the borough’s waters rank among the best in the region.

He said: “It is great news for the borough. The beaches are one of our main attractions so the findings are really good.

“I hope everyone can benefit from the news and would urge people to give the borough’s offerings a try.”