24 May 2012 Last updated at 09:30 ET

Northern Ireland has achieved its highest ever number of blue flag awards for its beaches and marinas.

Twenty-three beaches have been given blue flag status, which recognises good standards in water quality, safety, and beach facilities.

The 2012 figure is a significant improvement on last year, when only eight beaches were awarded blue flags.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood said the beach summits he called last year seemed to be "bearing fruit".

The minister presented the awards at Crawfordsburn Country Park in County Down on Thursday.

Crawfordsburn beach was among the winners, receiving its first blue flag.

Mr Attwood said: "Today's increase in blue flag and seaside awards is great news for Northern Ireland's beach users and seaside towns as they know they can expect the best when they see a blue flag or a seaside award symbol."

Eleven beaches were awarded the international blue flag. Three resort and eight rural beaches received seaside awards and two blue flags were presented to marinas.

The minister said: "Good water quality and the safety of beaches are key to our economy and tourism and we must strive to achieve highest quality standards for the enjoyment of Northern Ireland's entire world famous coastline."

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Blue Flag record for NI beaches