The guideline standard is a vital ingredient for the coveted Blue Flag and this year’s performance is the best ever at this level. Five years ago just over 55 percent of the region’s bathing waters achieved the tougher standard.

Results announced by Defra today also confirm 98.4 percent of the Westcountry’s 190 beaches met the mandatory standard with just three waters – Lyme Regis (Church) beach, Ilfracombe (Hele) beach and Combe Martin beach - missing out this year.

The Environment Agency monitors bathing water quality and takes 20 samples from each EC designated bathing water between May 1 and September 30.

"Once again we are thrilled to see south west bathing water quality showing a year on year improvement," said Christa Upjohn for the Environment Agency.

"The beaches are major assets for the region, both for the economy and for the feel good factor as they are enjoyed by local people and tourists alike. It is fantastic news that the years of investment in sewage treatment improvements by the water companies and our work with other potential polluters are paying off although this needs to continue to ensure the level of quality is maintained."

Meanwhile the Environment Agency is investigating the three failing bathing waters. At Lyme Regis (Church) beach further work to investigate and rectify foul discharges to the River Lim is being carried out including cracked and misconnected sewers. At Combe Martin checks are being carried out on the stream which runs across the beach and at Ilfracombe (Hele) beach the Hele Stream flows over the beach from farmland bringing contamination.