A beach in South Cumbria has been ranked as the 'dirtiest' in the UK in new research.

A study by Cartridge Save found the top 10 ranked by highest pollution level with Haverigg Beach placing bottom.

In 2016, the beach was deemed 'sufficient' by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which gave residents and visitors the green light to bathe in safety.

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This latest study analysed water quality by examining levels of E. coli bacteria and intestinal enterococci, alongside TripAdvisor visitor reviews for each location.

The beaches were then ranked based on a 'water cleanliness' score ranging from zero to 10, with 10 representing the best condition.

The beach in Millom was found to be the 'dirtiest' beach in the UK, with a water cleanliness score of just 2.16.

The only other Cumbrian beach in the top ten worst was Seascale with a 'water cleanliness' rating of 7.28.

Southend Westcliff Bay followed closely behind Haverigg with a water quality score of 2.76 and was the second Southend-on-Sea beach to make it into the top 10.

Here's how other beaches in the UK ranked:

10. Lowestoft, Suffolk

E. Coli - 45

Int. Enterococci - 12

Least 'excellent' ratings - three

Water cleanliness score - 7.45

9. Lancing, Beach Green

E. Coli - 25

Int. Enterococci - seven

Least 'excellent' ratings - 26

Water cleanliness score - 7.29

8. Seascale, Cumbria

E. Coli - five

Int. Enterococci - 11

Least 'excellent' ratings - 29

Water cleanliness score - 7.28

7. Three Shells Beach, Essex

E. Coli - 13

Int. Enterococci - 20

Least 'excellent' ratings - two

Water cleanliness score - 7.22

6. Brighton Beach

E. Coli - 14

Int. Enterococci - six

Least 'excellent' ratings - 17

Water cleanliness score - 6.92

5. Littlestone, Kent

E. Coli - four

Int. Enterococci - five

Least 'excellent' ratings - 21

Water cleanliness score - 6.51

4. Hunstanon (Old Hunstanton), Norfolk

E. Coli - six

Int. Enterococci - four

Least 'excellent' ratings - 44

Water cleanliness score - 6.34

3. Fraisthorpe, Yorkshire

E. Coli - three

Int. Enterococci - two

Least 'excellent' ratings - 30

Water cleanliness score - 3.83

2. Southend Westcliff Bay, Southend-on-Sea

E. Coli - two

Int. Enterococci - three

Least 'excellent' ratings - 34

Water cleanliness score - 2.16

1. Haverigg, Cumbria

E.Coli - one

Int. Enterococci - three

Least 'excellent' ratings - 34

Water cleanliness score - 2.16

Haverigg Beach recorded the highest levels of E. coli of all UK beaches analysed and ranked third for levels of intestinal enterococci.

In terms of TripAdvisor however, there are many positive reviews left by visitors, describing the beach's seclusion, tidiness and resources.

Jenny H, who visited the beach last month, left the area five circles and called it a 'beautiful beach with sand dunes'.

She added: "Lovely beach , sand dunes, play park for kids and a cafe and toilets nearby and a nature reserve which is also a lovely walk."

Dee S who visited last summer said: "A quiet but great walk along the coast. Hardly saw anyone. Spent two nights at this very unassuming area in my county of Cumbria. Very welcome walk."

Mumofa3 also remarked how clean the sand was calling it a 'hidden gem.'

She said: "Large expanse of sand and dunes. Had a lovely day with family and our 2 dachshunds.

"Picnic’d in the dunes and the children enjoyed sand surfing. Virtually deserted and very clean. Free parking. Little cafe next to the play area for ice creams."

We have contacted DEFRA, Environment Agency and Cumberland Council for a response.