Pembrokeshire has topped the list this week for the most Blue Flag award-winning beaches in Wales.

The county won a total of 13 of the accolades, it was announced on Tuesday.

Making a welcome return to the prestigious list is Amroth, while among the local beaches retaining their coveted status are Coppet Hall, Lydstep, Saundersfoot, and Tenby's North, Castle and South.

Environment, Sustainabilty and Housing Minister, Jane Davidson, who performed the Blue Flag unfurling ceremony in New Quay, Ceredigion, and presented flags to representatives of local authorities from across Wales, said: "I am delighted that Welsh beaches and marinas have this year collectively accrued an impressive 45 Blue Flags, compared to 38 flags last year. 

"This is an achievement we can all be proud of and is a demonstration of the excellent natural quality of Welsh beaches.

"The Blue Flags are also the result of a great deal of hard work by organisations and volunteers throughout Wales who help to maintain the high quality of our beaches and the waters around our coast."

Welcoming the news locally, Pembrokeshire County Council's cabinet member for leisure and tourism, Clr. Rob Lewis, said: "I am delighted that, once again, Pembrokeshire is leading the way in Wales with the number of its beaches which has won Blue Flags - 13 in total.

"It's proof - if any were needed - that Pembrokeshire is one of the top spots in Britain to enjoy a beach holiday.

"This year, we welcome back Amroth, Broad Haven (North) and Newport as award-winning beaches.

"They lost their Blue Flag status last year because of water quality issues which was blamed on the bad weather experienced the year previously. Now they have been given back the recognition they deserve."  

The Pembrokeshire beaches are among a record 45 beaches and five marinas in the country to have made the grade.

Beaches are judged against 30 criteria, including meeting the highest water quality mark, strict litter management, dog control, visitor safety and sustainable environmental ethics.