Four Sussex beaches have today won coveted Blue Flag awards. Bognor and Eastbourne are celebrating recognition for the quality of their beaches for the third year in a row.

Bognor picked up its award for the beach east of the pier, while the beach between Eastbourne's pier and the Wish Tower has again been recognised.

Blue Flag awards have also been given to beaches at Littlehampton and West Wittering, near Chichester.

They are among 17 resorts in the South East to win world-class recognition for their beaches.

Eastbourne councillor David Elkin said he was delighted the town had won its third Blue Flag. He said: "We are very pleased that all the hard work we have put in has been recognised. People look more and more at things like whether resorts have Blue Flag status before deciding to visit.

"It is not just about how clean the water is but how good the facilities are and if litter is cleared away.

"The criteria for the award gets tougher each year and we are delighted that we are up to the mark again. We know we have high standards but it is always nice when someone else judges that you have them as well."

The Blue Flag scheme operates across Europe, the Caribbean, South Africa and parts of the USA.

Only beaches with good access, top-notch facilities, no litter and clean seawater are considered. The quality of seawater has been a stumbling block for many beaches on the Sussex coast.

Worthing has long campaigned for Blue Flag status for its beaches. It holds a Seaside Award but many in the town see it as a poor relation to the cherished Blue Flag.

The resort was not among the 120 awarded Blue Flag status by environmental charity Encams.

Councillor Paul High, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: "I am obviously very disappointed that we have not got it. Worthing residents can rest assured that we will strive to work with the authorities, including Southern Water, to do everything we can to gain Blue Flag status in the future."