A Blue Flag is now flying in Sheerness – showing off to visitors the good condition of its water and seafront.

The beach was given the accolade in May by Keep Britain Tidy to recognise the facilities, cleanliness and water quality, for the second consecutive year.

Seafronts in Leysdown and Minster also retained their Seaside Award status for a third year in a row, which means they have achieved the highest standards of beach management.

A ceremony took place in Sheerness and the flag was raised by Mayor of Swale, Cllr Anita Walker.

Swale council officers, RNLI lifeguards, Kent County Council and Swale environmental wardens also attended

The ceremony was followed by a reception to celebrate all the achievements at the Abbey Hotel in Minster.

The flag will be flying until the end of the season in September, and it is hoped all the beaches will keep the status next year.

Swale council’s seafront officer Ian Arnell put the success down to a daily cleansing regime, the excellent water quality and information provided by the Environment Agency to the public.

He said voluntary litter picks are also held on the beach, which helped greatly.