WHITMORE Bay on Barry Island has been awarded a Blue Flag Award as part of Keep Wales Tidy’s Wales Coast Awards 2016.

The Blue Flag Award is only awarded to beaches, marinas and boats that boast the highest quality of water, environmental management, safety and services.

According to Keep Wales Tidy, the Blue Flag "acts as a guarantee that a beach is among the finest not only in the country, but around the world".

Vale councillor Gwyn John, the cabinet member for leisure, said: “The Vale of Glamorgan Council is absolutely delighted to be able to announce that Whitmore Bay at Barry Island will this year be flying a blue flag in recognition of the high quality of the water at the resort.

“Our resort management and tourism teams work tirelessly all year round to make Barry Island a resort that the whole Vale can be proud of and this award represents much deserved recognition of their hard work.

“Last year saw over 300,000 visitors to Barry Island and with the resort continuing to go from strength to strength we expect even more on the promenade this year and hopefully now a good number of those dipping their toes in the water too.”

Whitmore Bay was one of four new Blue Flag Award sites in Wales announced today (Thursday, May 19).

The others are Penarth Marina, Porthcawl Marina and Poppit Sands beach in Pembrokeshire.

Lesley Jones, chief executive for Keep Wales Tidy said: “The coastline is very important for Wales as it boosts local economies and the tourism industry and allows us to showcase our beautiful country.

"I’d like to congratulate all our winners and thank everyone who’s involved in making this year’s Wales Coast Awards a great success.”

A full list of awards can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website: www.keepwalestidy.org