BEACH lovers can look forward to a bumper year with twice as many beach huts available at Bude’s Seaside Award winning Crooklets and Summerleaze beaches by mid July.

Last year Bude had 106 huts. This year it will boast 218 new or refurbished beach huts as part of Cornwall Council’s programme to enhance the area’s coastal assets. Work is well under way with 51 new or refurbished huts already in place.

David Parsons, who chairs the Bude Coastal Assets Group and is one of Bude’s Cornwall Councillors, said: “Bude was named Best UK Coastal Resort in the British Travel Awards 2015, and the new huts can only add to Bude’s already abundant appeal. The design was chosen after consultation with existing hut tenants and the public, and I’m sure the new and refurbished huts will be very popular with the visitors that our tourism businesses rely on.”

The stylish huts range in size from small to extra large, with some that are fully accessible and perfect for families and those with limited mobility. The beach huts are intended for daytime use only and do not have electric or water services.

Nigel Pearce, who is also a Cornwall Councillor for Bude, said: “Bude’s beach huts are highly sought after, so much so that there’s a waiting list for prospective annual and winter tenants. With an extra 100 huts available for daily use, many more people will now have a chance to enjoy a traditional seaside experience on our beautiful beaches.”

The huts are available to hire on a daily, weekly or annual licence. There are also winter tenancies. Please ring Bude Tourist Information Centre on 01288 354240 for more information.