Eleven beaches along the Sussex coast have been commended in the latest Good Beach Guide which was launched by TV presenter Philippa Forrester in Hove.

The praised beaches included Hove, Saltdean, Southwick, Newhaven, Birling Gap and Winchelsea.

In West Sussex, commended beaches were East and West Wittering, Bracklesham Bay, Pagham and Bognor.

The guide is compiled by the Marine Conservation Society which monitors more than 1,000 beaches nationally.

Billed as the ultimate independent guide to water quality and sewage discharges, only beaches which the MCS consider free from bacterial contamination have won the charity's approval.

To achieve this they must pass the European Union's water quality standard which demands that 100 per cent of samples are contamination-free.

Tomorrow's World presenter Philippa said: "It is great news for Sussex that it has so many beaches recommended in the guide.

"The Good Beach Guide allows the public to make an informed choice of where to swim safely, taking a proactive approach to protecting themselves and their families from the hazard of sewage pollution.

"It is important to know which beaches to avoid as children are most at risk from sewage related illnesses. I did a degree in ecology and conservation so I know how important these places are.

"They are important to our heritage and as places to spend our time, but they are also important to our wildlife. It is therefore extremely important to keep them clean.

"It's great that water quality is slowly improving year on year. This year is the most encouraging yet.

"It is unfortunate, however, that there are still a number of beaches which fail the EU water standard. The Government has been very lax in cleaning our beaches."

Brighton's beaches fared less well in the guide, because of the levels of sewage derived bacteria, and received only a pass rating.

Kate Hutchinson of the Marine Conservation Society, said: "Brighton and Hove City Council was surprised to have a beach commended at all last year.

"They have not done so well this year and have dropped down to a pass.

"But it is not really surprising that they have not done as well.

"The beaches are affected by the currents coming along the coast from Portobello.

"I know there has been an inquiry into where to site a sewage treatment plant there.

"Until that is sorted out, Brighton's beaches are going to experience similar results."

Good Beach Guide identified 90 beaches which were contaminated by sewage and where swimming was not recommended by the MCS, including Selsey.

A city council spokesman said: "All the beaches in Brighton and Hove have water quality which meets EC standards and are safe to use.

"It is likely that you will only get a commendation in the guide if your beaches are excellent, as they are in Hove."