North Norfolk beaches compete for crown of area's best

The online contest to find the most popular stretch of sand has been launched by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) for the second year in a row.

The next round will see West Runton go up against Walcott, East Runton measured against Sheringham and Overstrand challenge last year's winner Mundesley.

Two north Norfolk heavyweights Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea will also go head to head to reach the semi-finals.

Last year's Battle of the Beaches saw Mundesley scoop a narrow victory against West Runton in a tense final with just six votes between them.

Tim Adams, NNDC leader, said: "We are extremely lucky to enjoy a fantastically diverse coastline here in north Norfolk, with a beach to suit any mood, from Overstrand for a quiet dog walk, to Cromer for fish and chips on the pier."

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Holkham beach (Image: Ian Burt)

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The competition comes after issues with pollution off the north Norfolk coast during the last year.

Mundesley was one of three north Norfolk beaches to lose its Blue Flag status due to concerns about water quality.

East Runton and Sea Palling were also removed from the Blue Flag list following a drop in rating from 'excellent' to 'good' by the Environment Agency.

Sea Palling beach (Image: Antony Kelly / Newsquest)

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Just last month NNDC had to advise people not to swim off part of Mundesley beach as water quality concerns were flagged by Anglian Water.

Water pollution has become a big issue in recent years and this month it emerged that Anglian Water is one of six firms facing legal action in a case which could see them ordered to pay more than £800m in compensation.

Votes for the NNDC competition and collected via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram through a "World Cup-style" elimination where pairs of beaches are pitted against each other until the top two meet in a final.