NINE beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have once again been awarded Blue Flag status for another year.

The international award is only given to beaches that boast the highest quality of water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management, facilitated by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Beaches across BCP that were given Blue Flag status include Avon Beach, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Friars Cliff, Highcliffe, Sandbanks, and Shore Road.

Bournemouth Pier has been given a Seaside Award – presented to the best beaches in England.

Sandbanks beach has been awarded Blue Flag status every year the awards have been running, with this marking its 38th year of accreditation.

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The awards come ahead of a busy summer season as millions of visitors are expected to visit these beaches over the coming months.

Councillor Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure, and commercial operations at BCP Council said their teams work around the clock to ensure the beaches meet Blue Flag status.

“We are very proud to have our beaches recognised, once again, as Blue Flag locations – highlighting our stunning natural surroundings,” he said.

He added: “We are fortunate to have such a beautiful stretch of coastline on our doorstep and ask our visitors to help us stay award-winning by picking up their litter, leaving only footprints and protecting our environment for generations to come.

“I particularly want to thank our partners, local businesses and organisations who have all united and worked together to fund the programme, in order to retain our Blue Flag status for another year.”

The awards have been made possible by the collaborative work organised by the Destination Management Board; Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Coastal BID, FJB Hotels, Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council, Just Move In, Poole BID, Saltwater Sauna, The Beach Hut café, and Rockwater who helped fund applications to the scheme.

A J Emery Consulting consulted on the applications.

Andy Lennox, chair of the destination management board, said: “These awards are a perfect example of cross organisation collaborative working.

“Together a powerful coalition of local business, business improvements districts and BCP Council have worked to secure our beaches retain Blue Flag status once again.

“This is a testament to the collective commitment to quality, safety and environmental excellence – having to retain these flags each year ensures that everyone remains focused on those values.”

To qualify for a Blue Flag award, beaches must satisfy standards in four categories, with 33 individual targets covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services.