Sheppey’s beaches now have proof they are among the best in the country after flags were put up.

Last month we reported how environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy had rewarded the Island in its annual coastline recognition scheme.

Sheerness, Leysdown and Minster have all been given a Seaside Award which means they have clean beaches and are clear of dog mess and litter as well as having fantastic facilities.

They are three of 113 beaches around the country to be presented with the honour this year.

To mark the achievement, flags have been installed at the three sites.

A short service was held at Minster Leas on Wednesday when the flag was raised by the Mayor of Swale Cllr Sue Gent and there were representatives there from Swale council, including its seafront cleaning team, Minster Parish Council and Kent County Council.

Minster Beach was chosen as it missed out on the award in 2012.

Swale’s seafront officer Ian Arnell said it’s nice for the cleaning to team to get some recognition.

“It was a good crowd,” he said. “It’s nice to see the flags up now so everyone knows we have got the award.”

The Island’s beaches also have a recommendation from the Marine Conservation Society within the Good Beach Guide.