It was recently seen that England's beaches were the cleanest and the best places for swimming in the sea. Around 150 locations were awarded Blue Flag or Quality Coast status for 2010. These awards were given by Keep Britain Tidy which is the anti litter charity.

It was seen that the ones on the top with 14 awards each were Torbay and the Isle of Wight. Next came Scarborough with 11 awards and Thanet, in Kent, with 10.

Southend-on-Sea, Tendring in Essex, and the East Riding of Yorkshire received 9 awards.

These awards were given for cleanliness and access to facilities. These included bins to toilets and were based on internationally recognized criteria. These awards recognize good beach management and safe swimming areas.

It was seen that the total number of Blue Flag beaches were 71 this year more than the figures a decade ago when there were only 24 Blue Flag beaches in England.

It was seen that the number of Quality Coast beaches in England had increased from 73 in 2007 to 111 this year.

"As more and more people decide to swap trips abroad for the convenience of holidays at home, they are discovering a renewed love for our glorious coastline. Our beaches are fabulous places to visit", said Phil Barton, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy.