THE Isle of Anglesey has retained its six coveted Blue Flags, which are only awarded to the very best beaches.

Keep Wales Tidy unveiled its Coast Award winners on Thursday – ranking Welsh beaches, marinas and boat tour operators among the best in the world. The Coast Awards include the Blue Flag, Green Coast Award and Seaside Award.

The Blue Flag Award is a highly respected international award owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). In Wales the awards are managed by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.

Benllech, Church Bay – Porth Swtan, Llanddwyn, Llanddona, Trearddur Bay, Porth Dafarch, will again proudly fly the Blue Flag, having been recognized for their high standard of water quality, cleanliness, safety and excellent facilities.

Another three beaches – Beaumaris, Traeth Crigyll-Rhosneigr, Porth Eilian, have won the Seaside Award for their good water quality and facilities.

Anglesey’s Major Projects and Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Carwyn Jones, said, “I’m delighted that our Island has retained its six Blue Flag beaches. The Isle of Anglesey can rightly boast many of the best beaches in Wales and Britain. They are a real jewel in the Island’s crown and attract thousands of visitors every year.”

Menai Bridge based boat tour company ‘RibRide’ has also retained their Sustainable Boat Tour Operator Blue Flag status award. Cllr Carwyn Jones added, “We’re extremely pleased that RibRide Adventure Boat Tour Company has been recognised again this year with this Blue Flag category. Boat skippers are knowledgeable about wildlife and local history and this is just as important to the company as providing a thrilling experience to all.”

The Blue Flag award has had a transformational impact over the past 30 years on water quality, environmental awareness, management and services. It has become a world-renowned eco-label with more than 4,000 award-winning sites in nearly 50 countries.

Anglesey’s Head of Regulation and Economic Development, Dylan Williams said, "We’re committed to ensuring that our beaches remain an integral part in our Island’s success as a popular tourist destination.”

“Retaining the awards is a huge achievement. However, we realize that improvements are still needed in some areas, in particularly beaches around the north west coast, following the devastation to Holyhead Marina that Storm Emma caused in March. We are continuing to work closely with waste contractors and volunteers to tackle the severe polystyrene pollution and are committed to ensure that all our beaches reach the highest possible standards.”

The County Council has also appointed 12 seasonal beach wardens to provide safety advice and information about the Island on Blue Flag beaches over the summer.