Finally, picturesque Bamburgh on the north east coast sneaked into the most voted for top six beaches.

David Taylor, of Fredericks Dairies, which makes ice cream for Cadbury, said: "It's fantastic to see the great British public getting behind the campaign with over 7,700 votes cast. It just goes to show how treasured our beaches are."

Others to make the shortlist included:

England  – Southwold, Suffolk; Holkham and Brancaster, Norfolk; Southport, Merseyside; Lytham, Lancashire

Wales – Oxwich Bay, Swansea; Barafundle Beach, Pembrokeshire

Northern Island – Portrush Whiterocks Beach, Co Antrim; Benone Beach, Co Derry; Tyrella Beach, Downpatrick, Co Down

Scotland - Luskentyre, Isle of Harris; Traigh Mhor, Barra Camusdarach