SUFFOLK'S beaches have been given a clean bill of health in an independent guide judging the quality of bathing waters.Felixstowe, Southwold and Lowestoft all picked up the highest accolade in the Marine Conservation society's Good Beach Guide 2008.

SUFFOLK'S beaches have been given a clean bill of health in an independent guide judging the quality of bathing waters.

Felixstowe, Southwold and Lowestoft all picked up the highest accolade in the Marine Conservation society's Good Beach Guide 2008.

Tourism bosses have spoken of their pride at the recognition attributed to the region's shoreline resorts and said they hoped the recommendations by the society could attract bumper crowds this summer.

Scott Dolling, the destination marketing manager for the Suffolk Tourism Partnership, said: “We are delighted to be recognised in this guide.

“The Suffolk coastline is one of its strongest natural features and we are very proud of our unspoilt coastline.”

Bill Parker, Suffolk Coast and Heath Unit's acting manager, also welcomed the awards but warned it was only part of the story, saying there is currently a big litter problem along the coast that they are trying to address through regular clean-ups.

The Marine Conservation society's Good Beach Guide 2008 is available online from today at www.goodbeachguide.co.uk.