All Sussex's beaches have been given the all-clear for seawater quality for the first time.

Every designated beach in the county met with the EC Bathing Water Directive this year, the first time since independent testing began ten years ago.

Bob Edmunds, Environment Agency regional water quality manager, said: "These are the best ever results recorded in the southern region and I am pleased that such a high proportion of our bathing waters have met the standards, despite the poor summer weather.

"Particularly noteworthy is the major improvement in bathing water quality recorded at Newhaven following completion of improvement schemes by Southern Water Services."

Newhaven had previously been the thorn in the side of Sussex's bid to meet water quality standards.

A £20 million scheme, including the building of a sewage treatment works, has already brought improvements.

The Environment Agency says the results are a huge success and hopes for further improvements in future as water companies invest in more treatment.

Elsewhere in the South East, only two beaches failed to make the grade, both in the Isle of Wight.

The final results of bathing water tests for the country will be announced by Environment Secretary John Prescott later this year.