North Wales Beaches have been given a major vote of confidence with many scoring excellent water quality standards in the latest report.

Marine Conservation Society says the dry weather last year has helped to improve the water quality.

In total 45 of the region’s beaches were given the top “Recommended” rating according to The Good  Beach Guide, launched by the Marine Conservation Society.

Llandudno West Shore and Criccieth were two of the standout successes which went from “Fail” –  the fourth and bottom level last year, to “Recommended” this year.

Barkby Beach and Prestatyn in  Denbighshire got top marks.

Seven in Conwy were “Recommended” including Kinmel Bay,  Old Colwyn, Penmaenmawr and  Llanfairfechan.

Anglesey maintained its fantastic reputation for having great beaches with the vast majority – 21  of them – achieving the top level. They included Llanddona,  Traeth Bach, Rhosneigr and Aberffraw.

Fifteen of Gwynedd’s 18 beaches were also “Recommended” by the guide including Morfa Dinlle, Harlech and Barmouth – although Aberdyfi dropped from “Mandatory”  to a “Fail”.

There were a few other drops with Abererch dipping to the second  “Guideline” Category and  Llandudno North Shore from “Recommended to “Mandatory” – the third level.

Flintshire’s only beach, Talacre,  stayed at its “Mandatory” level.

One of Wales’ driest summers has resulted in more bathing beaches than last year being ‘Recommended’ for their excellent water quality in the guide’.

In total 109 out of 152 (71.7%)  Welsh beaches tested during last summer as having excellent water quality –  11 more than last year.

MCS Wales Programme Manager, Gill Bell, said: It’s great news  that we are able to recommend so  many North Wales beaches for excellent water  quality and it shows just how good  our beaches can be.”

“The main challenge now is  maintaining these standards,  whatever the weather.”

Most people don’t realise what a  big impact the weather can have on bathing water quality, she said.