England's beaches clean up their act to meet tougher EU standards

More than 60% of English bathing waters rated 'excellent', with 97% passing minimum standard

A number of English beaches have made dramatic improvements, with almost two-thirds of the country's bathing waters now meeting the new "excellent" standard set by the EU.

Blackpool's three beaches have reached the tougher standards, with one achieving the highest level after improvements to sewage works. Sewerage infrastructure on one pier has been rectified and further piers have been checked. Other actions included fixing leaking pier toilets and working to stop donkey and starling droppings polluting beaches.