Hope Cove, which was also recognised last year, is among 375 quality beaches to win the ENCAMS Seaside Awards 2004.

The distinctive yellow and blue flag award is only given to beaches that are clean, safe well managed and have water quality that meets European legislation.

Hope Cove has the reputation of being a popular family beach which is sheltered, safe and sandy, suitable for children.

Organised by ENCAMS, the group behind the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, the Seaside Awards have been honouring the very best in UK beaches since 1992.

Overall, the average British resort was given a score of 80/100 by ENCAMS (up 13 points since 1998). This year’s record total of awards means there are now a stunning 282 more flag-fliers than there were when the Seaside Awards began.