5 June 2012 Last updated at 06:41 ET

More than 20 Kent bathing beaches have been closed after sewage was discharged into the sea.

The closure of all beaches in Thanet was caused by a failure at the Southern Water Foreness Point Sewage Pumping Station after heavy rain.

Spokesman John Crooke said the pumping station discharged water which could otherwise have flooded homes.

Red flags are being flown at the beaches, many of which had recently won Blue Flag awards for cleanliness.

The beaches have been closed since Monday. Visitors have been told not to cross the high tide line.

Thanet District Council said they would stay shut for at least two days as a precautionary measure.

Last month, it was revealed that Thanet had more Blue Flag beaches than any other area in England.

The awards recognise high water quality and facilities.

Beach cleaners and litter pickers are on site whilst officers from the council and representatives from the Environment Agency and Southern Water Services fully assess the situation.

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Sewage closes Blue Flag beaches