by Martin Jefferies

Thanet's bays and beaches are the best in the country, with three resorts reclaiming a top seaside award.

The coveted Blue Flag will be flying high once more at Margate Main Sands, Stone Bay and Westbrook Bay.

Botany Bay, Joss Bay, Minnis Bay, Ramsgate Main Sands, St Mildred’s Bay and West Bay also shone, as Thanet took nine Blue Flags in total - more than other district in the UK.

In fact, Thanet's beaches were the only ones in Kent to win the award. There were hopes that Tankerton, which lost the honour in 2009, would win it back, but a spell of bad weather in summer last year did for its chances.

In Thanet itself, only Walpole Bay failed to retain the accolade, which is given to beaches achieving the highest quality in water, facilities and safety.

Mark Seed, director of environmental services at Thanet council, said: "Our enviable success shows just how seriously we take the condition of our beautiful beaches.

"It’s a great boost to our tourism and a wonderful way to start another summer season."

Minnis Bay has held a Blue Flag since 2002, while West Bay receives the award for the sixth consecutive year and St Mildred’s Bay retains its flag for the fifth year running.

Meanwhile, Viking Bay kept the Quality Coast Award (QCA) it has held since 2007.

It was some consolation to Canterbury City Council that it retained three QCAs - Tankerton, Herne Bay and Reculver - although Herne Bay East lost its QCA.

Sheppey had two QCAs, at Beach street Sheerness and Leysdown, while Dymchurch got a QCA for Romney Marsh.

To achieve this award, beaches must have clean sands that are free of litter and dog fouling.They must also have good access, facilities and water quality.

Phil Barton, chief executive of the anti-litter charity Keep Britain Tidy, added: "As more and more people decide to swap trips abroad for the convenience of holidays at home, they’re discovering a renewed love for our glorious coastline and quality resorts.

"Our beaches are fabulous places to visit and these awards prove how hard our beach managers are working to provide clean and safe beaches for everyone to enjoy."

• Other beaches to win Blue Flags in the South East include Hayling Island, Hove and Sandown.