THE Isle of Wight received a boost to tourism having won Keep Britain Tidy’s coveted Seaside Award for the cleanliness of four of its beaches.

The environment award, presented to 111 beaches nationally, recognises beaches that are well-managed and maintained.

Shanklin, Sandown, and Seaview’s Springvale and Seagrove Bay beaches won the award this year.

The Seaside Award, like the Blue Flag, is a quality mark for beaches and means those visiting them can be sure they are clean and safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well tough bathing water quality standards.

Keep Britain Tidy’s coastal award manager, Paul Todd, said winners of the award proved they can provide the best possible beaches for locals and holidaymakers.

"Visitors can be sure, if they visit a Blue Flag or Seaside Award-winning beach, they are visiting one of the best beaches in the world," he said.

"The award this summer is testament to the hard work of beach managers."