Hampshire Beaches Pass Water Quality Tests

Lots of UK beaches have failed water quality tests after last year's wet summer polluted the sea - but all the ones in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex have passed.

The Marine Conservation Society, which publishes the Good Beach Guide, has warned swimmers could fall ill from bathing in polluted water.

It says a total of 42 beaches failed to meet the minimum EU levels expected for bathing water in testing last year, a rise of 17 on 2011's figures.

And only 403 of the 754 UK beaches assessed were awarded the top ``recommended'' award for their water quality in 2012, 113 fewer beaches than in the previous guide.

The Marine Conservation Society said the fall in water quality was down to one of the wettest summers on record last year, with the rain and flooding leading to an increase in bacteria and viruses in the water.