Blue flags flying at Sunderland's seafront

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy today announced its Blue Flag winners for 2022, with Roker and Seaburn beaches again being recognised for their excellent water quality, cleanliness and constantly improving visitor amenities.

This is the eleventh consecutive year Roker and Seaburn has also won a coveted Seaside Award.

The awards are national recognition of the continuing high standard of maintenance and environmental improvements along the seafront.

The internationally recognised Blue Flags and Seaside Award flags will fly over the twin resorts this summer as a symbol to bathers and beach users of the high-quality water and facilities available for families, residents, visitors, and tourists.

Roker and Seaburn are two of 151 beaches to win the coveted awards from Keep Britain Tidy and two of 57 beaches that have received both Blue Flag and Seaside Awards.

The awards aim to improve the quality of England's coastline and promoting the country's best beaches.

Councillor Linda Williams, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Vibrant City, said: "It is fantastic to see Sunderland's beautiful beaches once again awarded the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Award. Flying these flags at Roker and Seaburn shows everyone who visits that our seafront has excellent quality bathing water and first-class facilities.

"We're very lucky to have fantastic beaches with beautiful, clean water to swim and bathe in, and this national recognition is testament to the hard work of everyone involved in keeping our beaches clean, tidy and well-maintained."

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."

Blue Flag is an international award managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education. It is only presented to well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes, while Seaside Awards are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of our coastline.