An increase in the number of Welsh beaches that have been handed Blue Flag status could boost the country's tourism industry, according to Keep Wales Tidy (KWT).

The organisation revealed 45 Welsh beaches and five marinas have complied with the award's 30 criteria, which cover water quality, litter management, dog control and provision of life-saving equipment. A total of 15 sites in Pembrokeshire are among this year's Blue Flag beaches and marinas in Wales, as well as 14 on the Isle of Anglesey and six in Gwynedd.

KWT chief executive Lesley Jones said: "Experts predict that due to the current economic climate more people will be choosing to spend their holidays in the UK. "With a record number of beaches and marinas in Wales achieving Blue Flag status we are well positioned to announce that a trip to our coast will be a quality experience."

Image: Swansea Marina – Visit Britain Images