TWENTY five of the South West's best beaches have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag Award.
Sixteen beaches in Devon have been awarded the flags including Sandy Bay at Exmouth which has received the prestigious award for the first time.
The beach lies in a sheltered bay at the foot of east Devon's red sandstone cliffs and holiday park staff carry out daily litter sweeps as well as deep cleans several times during the season.
Joining Sandy Bay for the first time on the Devon list are Bantham and Salcombe South Sands while Goodrington South Sands returns to the list.
Preston Beach, which made the list last year, has not made it back in this time.
The Blue Flag is only awarded to resorts which have good access, top notch facilities, litter-free sand and clean sea water.
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