BEACHES across Furness have been given the green flag by a leading conservation organisation, in recognition for the quality of their bathing water.

The Marine Conservation Society has carried out the assessments as part of its Good Beach Guide since 1987.

There are four ratings, which focus on water quality standards and the risk of sewage pollution. These are recommended, guideline, basic pass and fail.

Thomas Bell, MCS coastal pollution officer, said that the numbers of beaches achieving top ratings stood as "testament" to the influence exerted by the Good Beach Guide on the water industry to properly clean up its act.

For full story see the June 1 edition of The Westmorland Gazette.