A stretch of Eastbourne's beach has won the right to fly the coveted Seaside Award flag for the 11th year running.

The section from the pier to the Wish Tower has won the award every year since they were launched in 1992.

The awards, which allow resorts to fly blue and yellow flags, are organised by environment charity Encams, behind the Keep Britain Tidy campaign.

An Eastbourne Borough Council spokesman said: "Eastbourne is thrilled to be celebrating a double win of the national Seaside Award for the quality of its beaches.

"We are also pleased this year to receive a new Rural Award for the quieter Holywell beach."

Encams yesterday announced 12 beaches in East and West Sussex were among this year's successful entries, judged on criteria including cleanliness, access and first aid provision.

Bexhill, Birling Gap, Bognor east of the pier, Camber, Eastbourne Tower to Holywell, Hastings at Pelham, Littlehampton, Pevensey Bay, Seaford, West Wittering and Winchelsea are also among a record 332 British beaches which will get to fly the flag throughout the summer.

But Worthing was named as one of 14 from last year's 317 winners to miss out. The resort, which was a winner last year, did not meet the strict water quality criteria this year.

Angela Howard, regional director of Encams, said: "Encams demands all Seaside Award winners reach high standards, showing the beach is well maintained with a good range of facilities."

Kim Long, Worthing Borough Council's economic development officer for tourism, said she was disappointed but not worried about the quality of Worthing's bathing water.

She added: "We will do everything we can to get the award next year."

Southern Water and the Environment Agency are investigating Worthing's failure to win the Seaside Award.

The awards are only given to authorities which apply. Brighton and Hove City Council has never taken part.

A council spokesman said: "We weren't aware of the scheme. We do, however, believe that our seafront is excellent."