A LUCKY 13 Island beaches have received prestigious Seaside Awards.

The awards are given to beaches that meet the required standards in a number of categories including water quality and disabled facilities.

The award-winning beaches are East Cowes, Colwell Bay, Cowes, Gurnard, Ryde East, Sandown, Yaverland, Seagrove Bay, Shanklin, Springvale, St Helens Duver, Totland Bay and Ventnor.

John Metcalfe, the council head of community development and tourism, said: "This is fantastic news. It demonstrates the care and attention we pay to our beaches.They are an extremely important part of our holiday industry."