The city's two bathing beaches have kept their top ratings for water cleanliness. 

Southsea East and Eastney beaches will have the classification 'excellent' – the highest available – for next year's season, the government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced. 

The announcement was welcomed by Lib Dem Central Southsea Councillor Steve Pitt, who is also Portsmouth City Council's new Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport.

Steve said: "It's great to see that our wonderful local beaches have retained their excellent ratings for another year. It's brilliant news for tourism and for local people." 

This is the third year running that Southsea East has had an excellent rating, while Eastney has had the top classification for some time.