The South Hams has once again strengthened its reputation as a quality destination with the announcement of four Blue Flag winning beaches.

The International Awards Scheme by Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS) has this month awarded the coveted Blue Flag to the beaches of Bantham, Blackpool Sands, Challaborough and Bigbury-on-Sea.

To be eligible for a blue flag, a beach must have water of the highest quality, along with first-rate facilities for beachgoers.

It must also be safe and have excellent management and environmental education.

The accolade has been won again thanks to a unique partnership committed to developing tourism in the South Hams, between South Hams District Council (SHDC) and the local business community.

While SHDC is busy entering the beaches for the awards, it is the local businesses and beach owners that sponsor the entry and the beach signage.

Sponsorship helps SHDC to produce new signs for beaches throughout the South Hams and enables them to be replaced as necessary.

This year new signs are being made for Beesands, Strete Gate and Slapton, all kindly sponsored by Helpful Holidays Self Catering Agency - who now sponsor six beaches across the area.

SHDC's executive member for a distinct environment, Cllr Bryan Carson, said: "Our beaches are one of the main attractions for visitors to the South Hams and I am delighted to hear that we have once again achieved these prestigious awards.

"The Blue Flag is a symbol of high environmental standards as well as good quality facilities and safety features.

"As a district we are proud to be able to offer visitors the highest quality beaches - something that we hope will bring a boost to the industry in the coming year."

South Hams District Council sustainable tourism officer Sarah Streeter added: "A prosperous and sustainable tourism industry relies on the quality of the product on offer to visitors.

"With these awards the South Hams demonstrates that it is still a leading quality destination where visitors can bathe safe in the knowledge that the water is clean and safe."

The Blue Flag is only awarded to around 3,100 beaches and marinas in 35 countries across Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean.

It is an exclusive eco-label that awards success in the areas of environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management and safety and services.