Click on the map above to find out which beaches in your region have failed to reach minimum EU water quality standards.

Each year the Marine Conservation Society produces a guide to the water quality of the UK's beaches. This year the environment charity says there are more beaches than ever passing its stringent water quality tests. It has recommended a record 275 beaches, 60 more than last year.

But the the MCS also found that 90 beaches around the UK have failed to reach minimum EU water quality standards - 10 more than last year.

The charity says these beaches are contaminated with sewage.

Launching the beach guide Tomorrow's World presenter Philippa Forrester said: "The Good Beach Guide allows the public to make an informed choice of where to swim safely, taking a pro-active approach to protecting themselves and their families from the hazard of sewage pollution."

"It is important to know which beaches to avoid as children are most at risk from sewage-related illnesses."

The full list of recommended beaches is given on the Good Beach Guide website - but below BBC News Online lists the beaches which have given cause for concern.

MCS officials monitored 806 British beaches for the quality of their bathing water every two weeks between May and September 2000.