PICTURE the perfect holiday destination and the chances are you think of sun, surf and sand.

The internet allows you to visit the best beaches in the world in the comfort of your own home, without the need for factor 30 suncream.

Whether it is a Florida beach cam, or an independent guide to the world's best, there's a great deal of golden sand available online.

If you want the perfect beach without going abroad, have a look at an independent website that has a brilliant guide to the quality of Britain's beaches.

The site has an ultimate guide to UK water quality and is designed to help millions of people who visit Britain's beaches each year to make an informed choice about where they want to dip their toes.

The site is complied by the Marine Conservation Society and it recommends 215 beaches detailing facilities, how to get there, wildlife, scenery and tourist information contacts.

Ideal if you want to venture further than Blackpool.

Take a look at the site...