WATER at ten beaches in England is unsafe for swimming, according to the latest quality tests.

One of the worst offenders is Weston-super-Mare, which attracts around 70,000 holidaymakers a year.

“Sewage debris” was found off the Somerset town’s main beach by Environment Agency researchers.

Debbie Apted, of Weston’s Cleaner Coastlines campaign group, said she was “surprised and disappointed”.

She blamed baby wipes and plastic items for blocking sewers, adding: “It is vital we don’t use our toilets as bins.”

Sewage and litter were the main reasons for most of the fails.

A girl of 12 who swam daily at Ilfracombe Wildersmouth, Devon, became infected by parasites.

But 92 per cent of all beaches passed the tests — compared to just 28 per cent in the early 1990s.

The Environment Agency urged everyone to protect water quality.