Great Yarmouth Central beach in Norfolk has lost its prestigious Blue Flag award for 2005. The beach was awarded the accolade for cleanliness and visitor facilities for the first time in 2004, but has failed to retain the flag this year. Environmental Campaigns (Encams) awards the Blue Flag to beaches which pass a strict water quality test set down in European law. 'Element of snobbery' Norfolk beaches which will be flying the flag are Cromer, Gorleston, Mundesley, Sea Palling and Sheringham. Just over the border, Lowestoft North of the Pier and Lowestoft South of the Pier claim two of the four flags awarded in Suffolk. "There has been a real element of snobbery surrounding our beaches, with some people suggesting they simply don't match up to their continental counterparts," said Nigel Tansley-Thomas, regional director with Encams. "Yet this kiss-me-quick view belongs in the past. "Many of our resorts now offer fantastic facilities and a wide range of attractions and activities for everyone to enjoy," he added. Encams, which awarded the flag to 119 beaches across the country this year, said the state of the country's beaches had improved dramatically since Britain entered the awards scheme in 1987. | 
