Sussex tourism bosses are struggling to keep beaches clean because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak, it has emerged.

The Tidy Britain Group (TBG) said dog owners had been flocking to the coast to exercise their pets because of footpath closures.

The organisation is now urging them to clean up after them and ensure beaches are clean.

The call comes as the TBG revealed only two beaches in Sussex were awarded the European Blue Flag for clean water and sound environmental management.

They were Bognor, east of the pier - which is a new entry to the awards - and West Wittering.

Hastings, Eastbourne and Brighton and Hove missed out because of the quality of their bathing water.

A total of 55 beaches received the honour nationwide.

Alan Woods, chief executive of TBG, said: "Since the outbreak of foot-and-mouth, ten times as many owners have been walking their dogs on the beach.

"Dog control is one of the most important criteria when attaining a Blue Flag, which is why every award-winning beach has a section where pets can be exercised away from the bathing area."

Ian Sumnall, chief executive at Arun District Council, said: "We are very pleased that Bognor beach attained this award particularly as it is one of the things that attracts visitors to the town.

"It is especially pleasing that this award recognises not just the cleanliness of the beach but also the high standard of facilities on offer."

The European Blue Flag is only awarded to resorts that have passed the toughest inspections on beach management and safety.