The Blue Flag is set to flutter over Falmouth's Gyllyngvase Beach again after a surf company boss stepped in to pay for the inspection.

The beach, and two others in Cornwall are without the globally recognised symbol of excellence after Cornwall Council refused to stump up the small fee, saying cost cutting was to blame.

The refusal to pay for accreditation, for the sake of £820, was slammed by Falmouth council, businesses and locals, with the town manager calling it a "disaster".

While Falmouth town council are looking into paying the fee for next year, a surf company boss has decided to take action and cover the costs for Polzeath, Gyllyngvase and Porthtowan beaches.

After 35 years at the helm of award-winning surf store, Ann’s Cottage, which has a branch in Fal;mouth, Rob Harris, says he understands the importance of the Blue Flag to the Cornish tourism industry, and he has made it his mission to give Cornish Beaches the accolade and mark of success they deserve.

“It’s frustrating to see an opportunity to really bring the economic value and long-term benefit to the County missed, simply on the grounds of an inspection charge", he said.

"For me it’s much more than just a symbol of quality. After 35 years of being engrossed in our beach culture, it’s Cornwall’s identity, and I’m passionate about maintaining the standards and quality, which ensure business growth and new markets."

Rob added: “It’s because of this that I have decided to offer to pay for the inspection of Polzeath, Gyllyngvase and Porthtowan, which are all suffering as a consequence. I want to work with the Council and the Cornish to ensure an inspection fee doesn’t stand in the way of either tourists or business."