Bispham beach named as one of the UK's top 50 dog-friendly beaches

National pet emergency out-of-hours service Vets Now created the list based on water quality, parking and access, whether a nearby daytime vet is available, and whether dogs are welcomed all year round.

Bispham beach got the seal of approval for its "sweeping expanses," being only 12 minutes away from a vet's practice, its three out of three water quality stars, public toilets and dog bins, the guide showed.

The guide also gave credit to Blackpool Transport's dog-friendly trams and buses.

Bispham was one of only two Lancashire beaches making the top 50 - with Ainsdale beach between Southport and Formby being the second.

Laura Playforth, professional standards director at Vets Now and one of the authors of the Best Beach Guide, said: "We’ve only chosen beaches where water quality is deemed high, dogs are welcome all year round, parking and access is good and a daytime vet is based nearby.

The team were really impressed with Bispham Beach, especially its pet friendliness and facilities on offer, and believe it to be an ideal destination for the UK’s dog lovers."

The Vets Now team also issued safety reminders to dog owners visiting beaches as summer begins to end.

Laura continued: "Don’t be fooled by coastal breezes, temperatures on beaches often soar and you can be caught off guard, even at the end of summer.

"Be sure to provide a shaded area for your dog and give them plenty of fresh water.

"It can take just 15 minutes for a dog to die from a heat-related illness so never leave them in a sun trap or in a car – even with the windows down, it does little to affect the heat.

"If your dog is not used to swimming then the sea is not the place to start. Be careful of strong tides and rolling waves and make sure your dog doesn’t venture too far out. Waves and currents can quickly exhaust dogs.

"Stop them lapping up sea water, the salt, bacteria and parasites in the water can make them sick, and keep a close eye on your dog if there’s likely to be jellyfish."