Brighton has come twentieth in a list of the world's top 20 beaches - a one-man survey compiled by a British backpacker.

Pete Shannon, 26, a computer programmer from Chichester, West Sussex won a seven-week trip to test the world's top 20 beaches as nominated on the Expedia travel website.

After flying 54,000miles, he decided his favourite was Waikiki in Hawaii.

He made his decision based on sand colour, temperature and 'sandcastle buildability', as well as the cost of a sandwich, noise levels and the friendliness of locals. He also measured sea transparency, wave size and creature content.

Mr Shannon rated Brighton as having the dirtiest beach of the 20, alongside Bamburi in Mombassa, Kenya. It also had the least glamour, the worst view, the murkiest water, expensive sandwiches, 'uncomfortable' pebbles, a lack of 'fun' activities and only moderately friendly locals, although he did say the waves were good.

The only table Brighton topped was for stickiness. Bathers can roll around after swimming and only get a minimal covering of sand trapped in uncomfortable places, says Shannon.

'The worst thing about Brighton was the weather,' said Mr Shannon, but added it had 'quaint English charm that means it is worth a visit.'

A spokesperson for VisitBritain said: We don't tend to sell Britain on the weather and don't try to compete with sun, sea and sand destinations, but we are delighted Brighton is in the top 20, especially against such stiff competition.

He added that Brighton has always had 'strong domestic appeal. Details: www.visitbrighton.com