Local businesses in St Ives have welcomed the news that Porthminster and Porthmeor beaches have been awarded prestigious Blue Flag status.

The internationally renowned quality mark by Keep Britain Tidy is considered to be the gold standard. It reassures visitors and residents that beaches are clean and safe, helping to inspire return visits and boost local trade.

The award is the culmination of months of hard work by volunteers, businesses and council staff, who work together to look after and champion Porthminster and Porthmeor, widely regarded as top UK coastal destinations.

St Ives BID (Business Improvement District) Manager Sarah Stevens, said: “We are lucky to have two of the world’s best beaches on our doorstep. Being awarded Blue Flag status is testament to everyone who works so hard to protect and improve our beaches and keep our coast safe.

“Many of St Ives’ cafes, restaurants, hotels and other traders rely on the outstanding reputation of both Porthminster and Porthmeor beaches. To receive this recognition once again after a difficult two years is a real boost to the business community.”

Blue Flags are given only to coastal destinations that boast the highest qualities of water, facilities, safety, Keep Clean programmes, environmental education and management.

Porthminster and Porthmeor also received Seaside Awards, which recognise high standards of management and water quality.

St Ives’ business owners and traders said they were proud of the world-class status of the town’s beaches.

Mick Smith, Executive chef at the Porthminster Beach Café, said: “It’s lovely to know that the standard of the beach is so high and letting the public know that is a brilliant thing.

“Porthminster is an absolutely stunning place to work and trying to keep it stunning is one of our main objectives. We want to keep it beautiful and look after it as best we can for future generations.”