TOURISM chiefs in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Swanage are celebrating after the resorts’ beaches secured a raft of Blue Flag and Quality Coast awards.

Bournemouth has won four Blue Flags and two Quality Coast awards while Poole has picked up four Blue Flags. Swanage Central beach scooped both a Blue Flag and Quality Coast award while Friars Cliff beach in Christchurch won a Quality Coast award.

Award-winning Bournemouth beaches were Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne and Boscombe Pier.

Poole’s beaches at Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs Chine and Branksome Chine shared the honours, which the borough has been receiving since 1987.

Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, which is responsible for the awards scheme, said: “Traditional beach holidays in this country were always centred on our seaside resorts and we urge holidaymakers to rekindle their passion for the wonderful coastline and resorts throughout the South West of England.

“Our beaches are wonderful places to visit and that’s official.”

Bournemouth’s tourism director Mark Smith said: “We are thrilled. We take pride in our seafront and the team work hard to ensure visitors have the best experience when using our beaches.

“The effort that goes into looking after our beaches doesn’t stop – it is a year round operation.”

Borough of Poole’s strategic director Andrew Flockhart said: “This is fantastic news and confirms the high quality of our beaches which are so valued by local residents and visitors to Poole.”