West Bay at Westgate is the third most popular beachcombing spot in the UK and the only Kent location in the top ten.

Unveiled by Miranda Krestovnikoff, television presenter and author of Best British Beaches, the list has been compiled in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society charity for UK seas and wildlife.

It is based on reports received and geographical features including rock pools, which make beachcombing more successful.

The cottages4you business, which is behind the survey, placed Selsey Bill in West Sussex top of the list, with Sandsend at Whitby as runner up.

Beachcombing findings can be anything from semi-precious stones, shells and drift wood to more unusual items such as a mermaid's purse.

Miranda said: "Looking at postings on the cottages4you blog, it appears holidaymakers have been having a fantastic time exploring our unique coastline this summer finding items including amber and starfish."

Beachcombing also teaches you about marine biology. This year cottages4you partnered with the MCS to help it record marine wildlife sightings such as jellyfish, which can help to further understand the ecology of the nation's coastal creatures.

Richard Harrington from the MCS said: "Every year we are amazed at the reports which come in. It's really encouraging to us that the public get behind our wildlife surveys and beach clean-ups, as the findings provide us with so much information to help protect sea life.

"All of the fabulous beaches are also described in the MCS Good Beach Guide, which gives a guide to water quality at each site - they are well worth a visit."