TOURISTS are hoped to flock to Berrow and Burnham beaches this summer after both received awards for their cleanliness.

Cllr Gill Slocombe, chairman of Sedgemoor District Council, was proud to display Keep Britain Tidy’s Seaside Award flag, which recognises the highest standards of beach management.

The award comes ahead of a tough new EU water directive which, when it comes into effect in 2015, could see Burnham beach rated ‘poor’, with signs put up advising people not to swim in the sea.

Tourism manager Ian Jefferies told the Weekly News: “With the new EU directive coming in in 2015, things were looking dull on the seafront.

“But the announcement of this prestigious award is fantastic news and sends the message to families and tourists that our beaches are a clean, safe place to enjoy this summer.

“It’s all down to the great work of SDC, the beach cleaning team and a whole host of volunteer groups who have worked to ensure the beaches are free from litter and debris.

“We want tourists to see Burnham as a main trip, rather than a stopping point because we really have a lot to offer.”

Although Seaside Award beaches can often be very different, the flag is a symbol of quality which guarantees to visitors that the beach is one of the best in the country.

A spokesman for Keep Britain Tidy said: “At a time when more people are choosing to holiday at home, the rapid growth of visitors enjoying our delightful coastline has highlighted not only the demand, but the importance in retaining clean, attractive and well-managed beaches.”