The prestigious Seaside Award flag is going up at Aberavon Beach after it passed its toughest test with flying colours.

Not only did the beach meet the European standard for bathing water quality, it also had to tick off a list of land based criteria including dog ban areas, disabled facilities and general safety.

Judges were satisfied the infrastructure, environmental credentials and overall management was of a consistenly high standard.

Neath Port Talbot Council leader Derek Vaughan said the Seaside Award status was a major coup for the beach. He said "This announcement is great news for Neath Port Talbot. Aberavon Beach is a major asset for the borough and attracts visitors from all over South West Wales. We have a commitment to make Aberavon Beach an attractive venue for local residents and the thousands of visitors who come to the area. We have invested in the future of the seafront and this is recognition that we are on the right track. Families need look no further for things to do on one of Wales's longest sandy beaches, which boasts an Aquasplash playground, children's play areas and grassed open areas providing hours of family fun. The Celtic Trail, part of the National Cycle network, runs along the promenade at Aberavon and is one of its most leisurely and enjoyable sections with fantastic views."