Cromer's landmark pier helps to make it a popular resort

Hunstanton in Norfolk, Martello Bay in Clacton, Essex and the Three Shells beach in Southend will fly the flag for the first time.

Great Yarmouth Central beach in Norfolk has regained the flag it lost in 2005.

A total of 18 beaches across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex have been given the Encams flag, four more than last year.

Four in Southend

Encams - an environmental charity - said the state of the country's beaches had improved dramatically since Britain entered the awards for the first time in 1987.

Flag winners in Essex include four in Southend - Jubilee Beach, Shoebury Common, Shoeburyness East and Three Shells - Martello Bay in Clacton, Brightlingsea and Dovercourt Bay.

Norfolk winners flying the flag are Cromer, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth Central, Hunstanton, Mundesley, Sea Palling and Sheringham.

Suffolk's Blue Flag winners are Felixstowe South, Lowestoft North of the Pier, Lowestoft South of the Pier and Southwold Pier.