In Norfolk we are blessed with some of the best beaches in the country, with miles of pristine coastline attracting an abundance of visitors each year.

But Heacham, which sits between King's Lynn and Hunstanton on the western coast, has garnered fame for all the wrong reasons.

A sign advising against eating cockles gathered from Heacham beach due to high levels of bacteria (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Since 2021, the water quality has been classified as "poor" by the Environment Agency (EA) and officials have advised against swimming there.

It is the only beach in Norfolk to have such a low designation.

READ MORE: Heacham water quality issues sparks debate about future

Heacham businesses risk being affected by the poor water quality rating if visitors are put off (Image: Owen Sennitt)

But on a mid-week afternoon at the height of summer, this did not seem to be stopping people from braving the sea.

About a dozen families were taking a paddle - but not all were aware of the water quality concerns.

Heacham Beach, looking towards Hunstanton to the north, which is more popular with swimmers (Image: Chris Bishop)

Nicola Boot, 37, visited with her children for a holiday.

"I was not aware," she said.

"When you come to a bathing beach, you just think it should be okay. It is brilliant here, though. It is safe for children as it is relatively flat so they can........

© Eastern Daily Press