Poppit Sands beach has joined the prestigious list of Welsh beaches to be awarded a Blue Flag certification, recognised for having the highest quality of water, safety and services.

As part of the Keep Wales Tidy's Wales Coast Awards 2016, beaches across Wales have been given Blue Flag Awards, Green Coast Awards and Seaside Awards to be ranked amongst the best in the world.

Pembrokeshire has 12 Blue Flag and 14 Green Coast Award beaches, more than any other county.

Wales has seen an increase in the number of international Blue Flags, with 44 beaches and three marinas in Wales being awarded a Blue Flag Award - five more than last year.

Along with Poppit Sands, near Cardigan, other additions include Tywyn beach in Gwynedd and Porthcawl Marina, Bridgend.

A further 26 beaches were awarded the Green Coast Award in recognition of their natural, unspoilt environment and 92 beaches have been given the Seaside Award.

The Blue Flag Award is a respected international certification owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) which runs in 49 countries across the world. In Wales the awards are managed by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.

Lesley Jones, Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy, said: "I'm delighted that Wales has seen an increase in awards this year. Over the last 30 years, Blue Flag has had a transformational impact on water quality, environmental awareness and management, safety and top-class facilities at our beaches and marinas.

"The coastline is very important for Wales as it boosts local economies and the tourism industry, and allows us to showcase our beautiful country.

"In 2015 we saw a growth of seven per cent of visitors to the Welsh coastline and as a mark of quality the Wales Coast Awards are pivotal to the continuing growth of coastal tourism."

To see the full list of beaches visit www.keepwalestidy.org