TOURISM chiefs are celebrating after 14 beaches in Bournemouth and Poole were given top Good Beach Guide awards for their bathing water quality.

The Marine Conservation Society has announced that 461 UK beaches have won the “recommended” accolade; a significant increase on last year.

Durley Chine, Alum Chine, Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers, Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne and Hengistbury West beaches all made the grade.

Rockley Sand, Hamworthy Park, Poole Harbour lake, Canford Cliffs, Sandbanks, Shore Road and Branksome Chine also reached the top position.

Three beaches in Christchurch; Avon Beach, Friars Cliff and Highcliffe Castle were recommended along with Barton-on-Sea, Milford-on-sea and Highcliffe beach.

Durdle Door West and East beaches made the grade along with Knoll Beach and Shell Bay in Studland and Swanage Central beach.

Further along the coast Lyme Regis’s church beach was among the coastal stretches which failed the tests for water quality.

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 to attract more people to the UK’s wonderful and varied seaside resorts.

“The next few years are critical as the quality of the UK’s bathing waters can play a vital role in the economic recovery of our traditional seaside resorts.”