THREE out of four West Somerset beaches tested for the Marine Conservation Society's annual Good Beach Guide hit top spot, achieving a coveted 'MCS recommended' rating.

Minehead, Porlock and Blue Anchor all cleaned up in the 2011 guide, while Dunster achieved a 'basic pass' for the quality of its bathing water.

It was the third consecutive year Porlock made the top grade and the second for Minehead, which dipped to a basic pass in the 2010 results having achieved a recommendation in 2009.

The top rating ensures the quality of the bathing water is substantially above the minimum statutory European standard, the next rating of 'guideline' means the quality is good and a 'basic pass' means the water meets the minimum required level.

Graham Sizer, the newly appointed chairman of Minehead Chamber of Trade, welcomed the crystal clear indictment of the town's beach and said the grading was something to "shout about".

"Those of us who live here and have grown up with the sea on our doorstep don't appreciate what this sort of accolade means to our visitors.

"Health scores hit the headlines every day, so if Minehead can proudly boast a clean beach and sea water, it can only be good.

"Personally, I would emblazon it across our new 'Welcome to Minehead' signs!

"Perhaps, our newly elected councils and councillors will give it some thought."

His enthusiasm was shared by Julian Highfield, the resort director at the Butlins holiday centre in Minehead.

He said: "At Butlins Minehead we are lucky to have such a beautiful natural attraction that is our beach.

"We never take it for granted and work hard with West Somerset Council to ensure that it is one of the best in the UK.

"The inclusion in the Good Beach Guide is testimony to a lot of work that goes on to make it a coastal jewel in our crown and we're delighted this has been recognised."

Corinne Matthews, West Somerset Council's economic regeneration and tourism manager, said she was extremely pleased the four beaches had been featured in the Good Beach Guide.

She said: "Visitors come to West Somerset to enjoy the superb natural environments of Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills AONB and the coast is also a major attraction, so we are delighted at the news.

"We hope people will come for day visits or longer to sample all the area has to offer.

"Minehead is our major resort and attracts a lot of visitors. We clean it daily during the summer season in order help maintain water quality standards and to provide a clean and pleasant environment for residents and visitors to enjoy."

The Marine Conservation Society said 46 UK beaches had failed to meet even the most basic standard for the quality of bathing water, although 42 more than last year attained a top level rating.