While it might still be a bit chilly for most to take a dip in the sea, the bathing water off our beaches have again been declared some of the best in Britain. 
 

An impressive 12 bathing waters along Northumberland’s coastline have been awarded the ‘excellent’ standard - the highest possible rating in European bathing water quality. 
 

Beaches that were recognised as ‘excellent’ were Spittal, Bamburgh Castle, Seahouses North, Beadnell, Low Newton, Warkworth, Amble Links, Druridge Bay North, Druridge Bay South, Newbiggin North, Blyth South Beach and Seaton Sluice 
 

Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Tourism said: “It’s no secret that we have some of the best beaches in the UK, if not the world, including of course my local beach at Warkworth!. 
 

“We work very hard to ensure our coastline is kept clean for the benefit of local people, as well as the thousands of visitors to our region and it’s particularly pleasing to see Spittal make the list as a lot of work has gone on in recent years to improve the water quality off Berwick. 
 

“Everyone wants clean seas and nice beaches and we have them both in abundance - this will be a further boost to our ever-growing tourism economy.”