Summer fun starts on the beach

Rediscover the seaside this summer. That's the message of a new guide to the popular resorts and sandy beaches of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate on Kent's east coast. Highlighting the growing range of sports and leisure activities Our Beaches are Beautiful invites readers to explore the modern British seaside. Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate's sandy bays and beaches have 10 Blue Flag awards more than anywhere else in Britain and Our Beaches are Beautiful introduces a host of activities including seashore safaris, sailing and seal watching.

Sports enthusiasts can try out jet skiing or surfing, or head for the Viking Coastal Trail with its 27 miles of stunning sea views and cycle paths.

The Isle of Thanet in Kent has received more Blue Flag awards for its beautiful beaches than anywhere else in the country. Receiving 10 Blue Flags in this year's ENCAMs / Keep Britain Tidy awards the Kent region has achieved the best performance in the UK for the past decade ¨C and now boasts an 1/8 of all Blue Flag rated beaches in Britain.

For families, the beach becomes a discovery zone with a summer of free activities by marine conservation group the Thanet Coast Project. Sand art, rock pooling and historic journeys with local geologist and fossil hunter the Rock Doc are all part of the seashore fun!

Featuring a map and individual guides to each of the15 bays and beaches, Our Beaches are Beautiful also includes details of a new disability access scheme for 2008. The Beach within Reach service provides specialist beach wheelchairs at popular locations. See guide for full details.

The glossy guide is published by Thanet District Council with assistance from Visit Kent and can be viewed online or downloaded from visitthanet.gov.uk.