TOURISM bosses are basking in glory after beaches across north Essex were praised in this year's Good Beach Guide.

The Marine Conservation Society's guide has judged West Mersea, Brightlingsea, Clacton, Holland-on-Sea, Frinton, Walton and Dovercourt Bay as having excellent bathing water quality.

The society said nationally there had been a ten per cent drop in the number of bathing beaches recommended for excellent water quality - the biggest fall in standards since the Good Beach Guide was launched 21 years ago.

But Frinton, which last year only received a basic pass, has been listed as a recommended beach.

Pierre Oxley, Tendring Council's leisure portfolio- holder, said: "We are always looking to improve our beaches and are working with the Environment Agency and Anglian Water to improve water quality, and we are doing that on an ongoing basis.

"We have already had meetings this year, have had good results, and are moving in the right direction.

"We have worked very hard in Frinton with Anglian Water to improve water quality and the new guide shows that this has been a fantastic success."

Jaywick beach was the only one in the area to drop in standard, from recommended to a basic pass.

Mr Oxley said this could be a result of last summer's bad weather, which can affect the result.