DAWLISH Warren has retained its internationally recognised Blue Flag Award for 2023, an award it has maintained for over 20 years.

The Blue Flag Award is an international award presented to well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes across the globe.

In total, over 5,000 awards are given across 50 countries.

A total of 77 awards were given to sites in the UK, including 13 in Devon. After Teignmouth Town Beach missed out this year, Dawlish Warren was the only Teignbridge site to achieve the award.

Keep Britain Tidy describes the Blue Flag Award as ‘the international quality mark for beaches. The prestigious award scheme acts as a guarantee to everyone that a beach is among the finest not only in the country, but globally.

They are only awarded to coastal destinations that boast the highest quality of water, facilities, safety, education and management.’

The organisation behind the award states: ‘To qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

‘Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag programme is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about the environment.

‘We’d therefore like to recognise and applaud all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve some of our best-loved and most popular beaches. The collective efforts of beach managers, volunteers, residents and businesses all contribute to the success of these sites in achieving the incredibly high standards demanded.’

Teignbridge District Council’s Managing Director, Phil Shears, said: ‘This is fantastic news and I take great pride in saying our Teignbridge beaches are amongst the best in the country. These awards don’t come easily and are testament to the hard work put in, not only by our outstanding Resorts team but also local volunteers who support the environment.

Thank you to everyone involved and I’m hoping it will be a brilliant summer that attracts locals and visitors alike to our beaches.’

Martin Wrigley, councillor for Dawlish North East, Dawlish Town Council and Devon County Council, said: ‘I am delighted that Dawlish Warren retains its Blue Flag. It means that people can swim with the assurance of the water being clean.

‘Like many other local councillors, I will continue to keep pressure on South West Water to ensure that they clean up their act so that our beaches and waters stay clean.’

Chair of Dawlish Warren Tourism Group, Helen Scott, said: ‘We are delighted with the news that Dawlish Warren Beach has retained the prestigious Blue Flag Award again this year making it a fabulous 21 years.

‘Our thanks go to Sarah Holgate, the Teignbridge Resorts Team and volunteers who work together to keep our local beach clean and safe for visitors and locals.’