England’s beaches are maintaining their cleanliness levels, it was revealed yesterday.

A total of 70 English beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag this year, one less than in 2010, Keep Britain Tidy said. In addition, 108 beaches have received Quality Coast Awards. In 2002, only 45 English beaches achieved Blue Flags.

With 32 beaches winning both Blue Flag and Quality Coast Awards, it means that England can boast 146 award-winning beaches compared with 150 in 2010.

For 2011, Torbay in Devon has six Blue Flag beaches, while Southend-on-Sea in Essex has five.

Most English regions have done as well for Blue Flag beaches this year as last, although the number awarded in south-east England has fallen from 17 to 10. Phil Barton, chief executive officer of Keep Britain Tidy, which is responsible for the Blue Flag scheme in England, said: “Traditional beach holidays in this country were always centred on our seaside resorts and we urge holidaymakers to rekindle their passion for our wonderful coastline and quality resorts.

“The continuing high standards of our beaches are testament to the hard work carried out by beach managers throughout the year in order to provide clean and safe beaches.”