FELIXSTOWE is today again proudly flying the flag to celebrate the quality of its shore, clean sea water and beachside facilities.For the seventh year running, the resort's south shore - its main holiday beach - has earned the right to fly the international Blue Flag and district council chairman Cliff Cocker was joined by schoolchildren to hoist it in the gardens in Sea Road.

FELIXSTOWE is today again proudly flying the flag to celebrate the quality of its shore, clean sea water and beachside facilities.

For the seventh year running, the resort's south shore - its main holiday beach - has earned the right to fly the international Blue Flag and district council chairman Cliff Cocker was joined by schoolchildren to hoist it in the gardens in Sea Road.

Dignitaries, including Felixstowe mayor Joan Sennington, representatives of seafront organisations and other guests, plus a group of children from Langer Primary School, then enjoyed an open-top bus ride around the resort.

Suffolk Coastal cabinet member Colin Hart said: “The thousands of visitors who will flock to Felixstowe this summer can enjoy its south beach knowing it has met the tough requirements of cleanliness and good management set by ENCAMS.

“ENCAMS measures nearly 20 different criteria before the awards are decided, and to win the Blue Flag, Felixstowe south beach also had to meet categories on dog control, supervision and first aid facilities during peak hours and the provision of parking and toilets for disabled visitors.

“A lot of effort goes in each year to keep our beaches clean, fun and safe, and I am so pleased that ENCAMS recognises the good job being done by Suffolk Coastal in Felixstowe.”

The open-top bus will run at the resort from July 22 to September 2 every Wednesday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

What do you think of Felixstowe's beaches? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk