Three beaches in Norfolk have lost their prestigious Blue Flag status over recent downgrades to the quality of the water. 

Beaches at East Runton, Mundesley and Sea Palling were removed from the list following a drop in rating from 'excellent' to 'good' by the Environment Agency.

The change in rating prompted them to launch an "investigation" with partners into why the bathing water classification has changed.

It comes amid concerns that beaches across the region are facing contamination issues following sewage leaks and pollution, such as in Mundesley earlier this year, which saw dog walkers and swimmers advised to avoid the area.

Beaches in Heacham are among the latest to have been hit by 'do not swim' warnings over excessive pollution.

Eastern Daily Press: Sewage seeped onto the beach and into the sea from a leak in March Sewage seeped onto the beach and into the sea from a leak in March (Image: North Norfolk District Council)

Blue Flag status needs to be applied for each year and is governed by Keep Britain Tidy. Previously the beaches had been among the most successful in the country.

One beach did loss its Blue Flag but regained it the following year.

The downgrading of the three locations means north Norfolk has gone from having 10pc of Blue Flag beaches in the country to just 5pc.

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Norfolk's other Blue Flag beaches - Cromer, Sheringham and West Runton - were able to retain their status as their water quality is still classed as 'excellent'. 

Despite their reclassification as 'good', East Runton, Mundesley, and Sea Palling were awarded the Seaside Award for their cleanliness, safety and high environmental standards.