BEACH kiosk owners and tenants are hoping that the recent good weather continues to kick start their summer season.

EIGHT local beaches have achieved a ‘gold’ standard for water quality under the European Union guidelines this year – one more than in 2011.

ISLANDERS have combed Guernsey’s beaches, cleaning and counting litter and rubbish as part of the National Beachwatch Big Weekend.

GUERNSEY beaches have been highlighted as some of the best in the country by two national newspapers.

The small number of beaches in the south are cut into the island's high cliff faces, making them particularly scenic. They are rocky rather than sandy, although sand can usually be found when the tide goes out.

There is not much of a north coast on the island, but the small area that makes it up is dominated by one long sandy beach.

There are not many beaches along the rocky east coast, which features the island's two commercial harbours.

Guernsey is surrounded by beaches of different shapes and sizes, but which are best suited to families, surfers or those wanting peace and privacy?

The island's west coast is home to some of its favourite beaches. Long and sandy with wide open spaces, these are ideal for children to play beach games and build sand castles.