Leanne Crawford

Skegness, Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea beaches have all once again been awarded Blue Flag status.

The Lincolnshire coast resorts were recognised by Keep Britain Tidy for their water quality, facilities, beach safety, environmental education and management of the beaches.

The award is widely considered the ‘gold standard’ for beaches and East Lindsey District Council, which manages Skegness, Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea, says it’s proud of the accolade.

Sutton on Sea beach. | Photo: Visit Lincolnshire

Councillor Martin Foster, portfolio holder for operational services, said “We are proud to say to all our residents and visitors that our beaches have retained their Blue Flag Awards for 2022.

“The status provides confidence to local people, as well as new and returning visitors, that our beaches are well maintained and meet water quality standards.

“This success would not have been possible without our dedicated neighbourhoods’ team that work early mornings until late evenings, seven days a week, to ensure our beaches look their best.

“We must also thank the many volunteers who regularly undertake litter picks on our beaches, doing a tremendous job.

“It takes a lot of hard work to keep our beaches in the best possible condition and they are vital to our visitor economy.

“Clean beaches help to draw huge numbers of visitors every year, which helps to support our local businesses and helps to maintain and create jobs for local people.”

Mablethorpe beach.

Allison Ogden-Newton, Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive said the commitment needed to maintain marvellous beaches worthy of these awards cannot be underestimated.

She added: “People who visit a beach flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as international bathing water quality standards.”

A Lincoln-based charity that supports elderly people across the county has seen local knitters donate more than 23,000 little hats as part of an impressive fundraiser.

Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire is taking part in the the Innocent Smoothie Big Knit Campaign, with the drinks company paying the charity 25p for each ‘hat’ to use on its bottles.

So far, keen knitters across the county have made a staggering 23,610 little hats, and now the charity is making a push to reach its 30,000 target.

That’s a lot of hats! | Photo: Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire

Melanie Strawson from Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire said: “We’ve all experienced loneliness, disconnection, and isolation during the pandemic but we’re here to support those who still may not see or talk to someone week to week.

“Each little hat supports both people at home to have a focus, benefitting mental health and stimulation and those accessing vital services.

“We’re on the final push and are asking for our community’s help, coming together to knit 6,390 little hats to reach the 30,000 needed.”

The charity has until July 15 to gather the remaining little hats. More information about the fundraiser can be found here.