A regional daily newspaper has compiled a special report into the state of beaches on its patch after scores of triathletes fell ill from swimming in the sea.

Public concern about sea water quality in the North East of England has been rising, with billions of litres of sewage being pumped into the oceans after periods of high rainfall.

Last October, thousands of marine animals were washed up dead on beaches near Teesside,while earlier this month, 57 competitors in the World Triathlon Championship fell ill after swimming in the sea at Sunderland.

Now the Northern Echo has compiled a special report on the issue posing the question: ‘Are our beaches safe?’

Editor Gavin Foster told HTFP: “The coastline in the North East is a rich gem which needs to protected. Our beaches are used and visited by thousand of people in the region and from across the country.

“We can’t keep accepting that billions of tonnes of sewage can be dumped into our seas without water companies and those responsible for policing them being challenged.

“And following a string of recent incidents, including athletes from a world triathlon event becoming ill, some serious questions need to be answered about how safe our beaches are.

“Hopefully this report and our front page will go some way in adding to those voicing calling for answers.”