FELIXSTOWE was celebrating today after its most popular holiday beach won a prestigious international Blue Flag for the eighth year running.The resort's south beach was one of 14 in East Anglia and 85 nationally to gain the award - making them as good as the top beaches around the world and seen as an enormous boost in attracting visitors.

FELIXSTOWE was celebrating today after its most popular holiday beach won a prestigious international Blue Flag for the eighth year running.

The resort's south beach was one of 14 in East Anglia and 85 nationally to gain the award - making them as good as the top beaches around the world and seen as an enormous boost in attracting visitors.

Suffolk Coastal deputy leader Andy Smith said: “The Blue Flag flying at Felixstowe is now becoming a virtually permanent fixture and this year's eighth consecutive success is another big thumbs-up for the resort and the efforts of this council to ensure the beach meets the tough quality standards.

“The Seaside Awards given by ENCAMS recognise clean, well-managed resort and rural beaches that comply with the legal minimum standards of water quality as laid down by the European Union.

“All bathing water is tested and only those beaches that meet the strict European guidelines are eligible for an award.

”This is really tough test as ENCAMS measures nearly 20 different criteria before the awards are decided, and to win the Blue Flag, Felixstowe South beach had to meet additional categories such as supervision and first aid facilities during peak hours and the provision of parking and toilets for disabled visitors.”

Blue Flags recognise beaches that meet 28 different criteria, such as life-saving equipment, regular cleaning, safe access, toilets, and an enforced ban on dogs, and are administered in 36 countries worldwide.