Scarborough was one of the resorts recognised by Encams

Bridlington, Cleethorpes, Scarborough, Whitby and Hornsea are all towns which retained the prestigious awards for beach facilities and sea water quality.

However, there was bad news for Filey, which lost the Blue Flag it was first awarded last year.

The flags are awarded by Environmental Campaigns (Encams) for seaside resorts.

Region's Blue Flag beaches Bridlington North Cleethorpes Central Hornsea Scarborough North Bay Whitby West Cliff

Encams is trying to encourage more people in Yorkshire to take advantage of the award-winning beaches on their doorstep.

Liz Moss, coastal director, said many people could be at a blue flag beach in the same time it took to drive to an airport offering cheap flights abroad.

"York, for example, is 30 miles to Leeds Bradford Airport but only a few more miles to Bridlington," she said.

Filey's Mayor Aileen Newbury said storms in summer 2004 meant the town could not reach the required bathing water quality.

Although she was "disappointed" at missing out on a Blue Flag Award, Mrs Newbury said the resort still had a lot to offer visitors.