City beaches get the Blue Flag

Lifeguards Phil Johnson, left, and Alexander Richardson with chairman of the Sunderland Seafront Traders Association, Tom Parkin, second left, and Coun John Kelly holding the Blue Flag Award.

The historic sands of Roker and Seaburn have picked up national awards for their high water quality, cleanliness and amenities from leading national environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The coveted Blue Flag will once again fly over the twin resorts this summer, after environmental improvement works improved water quality at the tradition Sunderland resorts.

The Seaside Awards, which recognise high quality management and maintenance, have also been handed to Roker and Seaburn for the fourth consecutive year.

The awards from Keep Britain Tidy have been widely welcomed by business and city leaders.

Sunderland City Council portfolio holder for public health, wellness and culture, Councillor John Kelly said: “It is fantastic to be reclaim the Blue Flag for the twin resorts of Roker and Seaburn, which are also recognised as two of the best in the country in the Seaside Awards 2016.

“Now the whole country knows what we have all known for years, that Sunderland has fantastic beaches with beautiful, clean water to swim and bathe in.

“Our seafront is magnificent and visitors can see for themselves he improvements made by our continuing £9million regeneration programme.”

Tom Parkin, from the Sunderland Seafront Traders Association, said: “Blue Flag status and the Seaside Award is fantastic recognition for all the hard work everyone has put in to get the seafront looking the way it is today. We have had excellent feedback from our customers.”