SUFFOLK'S own Southwold has beaten off the Costas in the race to be named top beach in a Europe-wide survey.In the study, which carried out by Coast magazine, Southwold was praised a “quintessentially British” experience, and rated as superior to the Spanish competition.

SUFFOLK'S own Southwold has beaten off the Costas in the race to be named top beach in a Europe-wide survey.

In the study, which carried out by Coast magazine, Southwold was praised a “quintessentially British” experience, and rated as superior to the Spanish competition.

The Suffolk resort was one of four UK resorts compared to four in Spain. They were rated on their temperature, facilities, beach quality, cost and eco-friendliness.

All four British resorts - Southwold, Bournemouth, Porthminster and West Sands - came out on top, above the Spanish competition of Santander, Alicante, La Coruna and Malaga.

Teresa Baggott, Southwold's town mayor, said: “It's absolutely great that our beach has been chosen and after all the work that's gone on down there it does look fabulous.

“I'm sure everybody in the town will be very proud and pleased.”