MINNIS Bay, near Birchington, has been voted one of the best beaches in the country.

It was placed 13th out of 50 by a panel of experts in The Independent newspaper.

Minnis Bay was the only beach in Kent to make the grade. The nearest contender was West Wittering in West Sussex.

Judge Kate Hutchinson, a coastal pollution officer for the Marine Conservation Society and author of the Good Beach Guide 2002, said of Minnis Bay: “It’s much quieter than the nearby larger resorts, and popular with sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts too.”

Particular commendation was given to the fact the water activities are held in separate zones and there is a separate area for children’s swimming.

The judges also liked the fact that: “The beach is close to deep countryside with a number of cycle trails and walks.”

According to the guide, the best beach in the UK is Embleton Bay in Northumberland.