Pembrokeshire has more award-winning rural beaches than any other county in Wales. The county has won 13 Green Coast Awards in this year's batch of winners, which are due to be announced by Edwina Hart, Welsh Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration today (Friday). The awards recognise beaches that have achieved the highest bathing water quality and are also prized for their natural, unspoilt environment. The announcement follows Pembrokeshire's record number of 33 entries in the ENCAMS beach guide earlier this month. "This is another marvellous accolade for our beaches," said Pembrokeshire County Council's cabinet member for tourism, Clr. Rob Lewis. "The Green Coast Awards recognise not just rural beauty but also high water quality. We're very pleased and also extremely proud that our county has done so well." Chris Payne, Pembrokeshire's leisure services manager said Green Coast Award winners had to pass the guideline bathing water standard - the highest quality in Europe - as well as other criteria. Managed in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy, the Green Coast Awards were first announced five years ago when only eight Welsh beaches were officially recognised. The award is designed to honour those beaches that are beautiful, safe and clean but which do not have the infrastructure criteria required for Blue Flag status. Emphasis is also placed on community involvement in the management and care of the beach. This year 41 beaches in Wales have been included in the Green Coast roll of honour. Pembrokeshire with 13 has the highest number followed by Anglesey with 11, while Gwynedd, Ceredigion and Swansea have five each. Green Coast winners in Pembrokeshire are: Cwm-yr-Eglwys; Abereiddy; Caerfai; Nolton Haven; St. Bride's Haven; Martin's Haven; Marloes; West Dale; West Angle: Broadhaven South; Barafundle; Manorbier and Coppet Hall. Pembrokeshire currently also has nine Blue Flag beaches - the world's most prestigious beach award. In addition the County is also top of the Welsh bathing water charts with 35 entries in the Good Beach Guide 2004.
