Pembrokeshire is celebrating the award of 12 Blue Flags to the county's beaches.

It's the most awarded to any local authority area in Wales, Keep Wales Tidy announced yesterday (Thursday).

County council spokesman, Len Mullins, said: "The county's reputation for high standards of beach management continues and reflects great credit on all the organisations involved."

The award-winning beaches were: Amroth, Broadhaven North, Coppet Hall, Dale, Lydstep, Newgale, Poppit Sands, Saundersfoot, Tenby Castle, Tenby North, Tenby South, Whitesands.

Earlier in the year, 15 Pembrokeshire beaches received the Green Coast Awards from Keep Wales Tidy - once again more than any other county in the principality - while a further 32 beaches won 'rural' and 'resort' awards. 

The coveted Blue Flag is awarded only to the very best beaches in Wales and venues are recognised for their environmentally sustainable management, cleanliness, their excellent facilities and for achieving a high standard of water quality. The programme is owned and run by the independent non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and managed in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy.

Pembrokeshire once again topped the list, being awarded 12 flags, followed by Anglesey, Ceredigion and Gwynedd with six each, and Conwy and Swansea with four each. Bridgend achieved two flags, whilst Carmarthenshire, Denbighshire and Vale of Glamorgan received one each.

Lesley Jones, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, was delighted that Wales's beaches were once again being celebrated.

"Visitors to our Blue Flag beaches can be sure that they will have access to excellent facilities and beaches and bathing waters of the highest quality. There has never been a better time to enjoy our wonderful beaches and coastline."

Environment Minister John Griffiths commented: "I congratulate everyone who works hard to ensure the good quality of water at our beaches which both the people of Wales and visitors can enjoy. I am committed to improving access for everyone living in Wales to our diverse natural environment. Earlier this month I opened the Wales Coast Path and I encourage everyone to take time to explore our beautiful beaches and coastline."

Business Minister Edwina Hart added: "This is obviously good news for the tourism industry and sends out a very positive message to visitors that Wales has an abundance of superb safe beaches, seaside resorts and marinas for all to enjoy. Tourism makes a vital contribution to the Welsh economy and this latest news, combined with the recent opening of the Wales Coast Path, provides a great opportunity to promote Wales' stunning coastal scenery and attract more visitors to Wales."

Chris Mills, director of Environment Agency Wales, said: "This is really good news for the environment and for the economy that benefits from tourists flocking to the superb beaches we have in Wales.

"We have worked hard to improve water quality at our beaches by directing investment by water companies, advising farmers on different working practices and tackling other sources of pollution.

"There is still, however, a lot of work that needs to be done, with tougher standards coming into force over the next few years. Many beaches in Wales are likely to meet these higher standards in the future, but some may fall short.

"There are still areas we need to address like sewage spills, run-off from fields and urban areas, badly maintained septic tanks and misconnected water pipes in homes and businesses to help all beaches in Wales to achieve these higher standards."

The Blue Flag unfurling ceremony will take place at Tywyn beach, Gwynedd, on Thursday, May 31. Flags will be presented to representatives of local authorities from across Wales.