Carmarthenshire beach among world's best in awards
The award, given by Wales' leading environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, is a symbol of quality and plays a vital role in protecting the marine environment.
Cefn Sidan, an eight-mile sandy beach within Pembrey Country Park, was the first Welsh beach to receive the Blue Flag Award when it was introduced in 1988.
The beach has now won the accolade 38 times, more than any other Welsh beach.
Carmarthenshire County Council's cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said: "I am delighted that Cefn Sidan beach has retained its Blue Flag status.
"This recognition not only reinforces our commitment to protecting Carmarthenshire's coastal environment but also ensures that residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy a world-class, picturesque, and unique beach experience.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the hardworking team at Pembrey County Park for working hard to preserve one of Carmarthenshire's greatest beaches."
The Blue Flag is one of the world's most recognised awards for beaches, marinas, and tourism boats, recognising high standards of water quality, amenities, sustainable tourism development, information provision, environmental education, safety, access, and site management.
Owen Derbyshire, chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, congratulated Carmarthenshire on continuing to ensure Cefn Sidan is one of Wales' best coastal locations.
He said: "Congratulations once again to Cefn Sidan on retaining its Blue Flag Award status.
"It's great to see that Wales' very first Blue Flag Award winner continues to be not only a beautiful place to visit, but one that visitors know is clean, safe, and well-managed with excellent facilities too."
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