More than 460 beaches across the UK have been recommended as having excellent bathing water quality in 2011 - up by 42 when compared with the number in 2010.

According to the Marine Conservation Society's (MCS) latest Good Beach Guide, it is the third highest number of "excellent" beaches in its 24-year history. However, the MCS has also revealed that 46 UK beaches failed to make even the most basic standards under European law and said new, stricter guidelines will come into force in 2015.

MCS coastal pollution officer Rachel Wyatt said: "From 2015 Europe's beaches will be classified using even stricter water quality standards due to the revision of the Bathing Water Directive. "But instead of viewing these new standards with dread, our coastal communities and water companies should welcome them as an opportunity."