In our first beach survey of the 21st century, we asked you to tell us what you liked best about the Isle of Wight’s many beaches and which were your favourites. Hundreds of you did just that and here’s what you told us.

But the top ten list doesn’t tell the whole story. When asked to nominate one overall favourite, Sandown still emerged as top dog, with the surfing and fossil hunting paradise of Compton Bay snapping at its heels. However a clutch of lesser known beaches also come into the picture.

The wide stretches of sands at Appley and Whitecliff Bay and the quaint, ‘olde worlde’ atmosphere of Steephill Cove were particular favourites.