A number of Ceredigion beaches have been given awards in the Wales Coast Awards 2024.

Certificates were presented for excellence across a variety of sectors including sustainability, safety, and environmental management.

In Ceredigion, four Blue Flag awards were presented to the beaches of Borth, Llangrannog, Tresaith, and Aberystwyth South.

Furthermore, five beaches including Aberystwyth North, New Quay Harbour, Aberporth, Clarach, and Traeth y Dolau, were distinguished with the Seaside Award.

In addition to the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, 13 beaches across Wales received the Green Coast Award.

The accolade celebrates the natural beauty and excellent water quality of the coast's lesser-known gems.

Ceredigion had four winners in this category: Cilborth, Llanrhystud, Mwnt, and Penbryn.

Keep Wales Tidy, the organisation responsible for the awards, applauded the 24 Welsh beaches that adhered to the stringent conditions to win a Blue Flag.

This globally respected award requires beaches to meet high standards of water quality, safety, and environmental education, in addition to providing comprehensive information and maintaining excellent site management.

Cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Wales boasts some of Europe's finest beaches and water quality, and the global recognition of our coastline is a true reflection of the dedication and hard work of so many people."

Mr Irranca-Davies added: "Today we celebrate the announcement of 49 winners for the Wales Coast Awards 2024.

"I commend the dedication to preserving our pristine coastal environments.

"Let's ensure that we leave nothing but footprints, allowing these breathtaking spaces to be enjoyed for many generations to come."

Despite financial pressures on local authorities, the quality of Welsh coasts remains a priority.

Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy's chief executive, credits this to the dedication and hard work of staff and volunteers.

Derbyshire said: "We’re delighted to see another successful year of Coast Awards here in Wales, with 49 stunning locations recognised among the world’s best.

"Achieving these prestigious awards means meeting rigorous standards put in place to ensure the safe enjoyment of visitors now and in years to come."

This triumph strengthens Wales' status on the global stage for its beaches.

It underlines the commitment Wales has to preserving the environment and ensures the safe enjoyment of the coastline for future generations.

The award list in full can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website.