A public bin worth thousands of pounds has been replaced in time for Christmas, after the original was destroyed by fire.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) bought 12 brand new high-tech Big Belly Bins in the summer, at a cost of £83,000.

But one of the state-of-the-art receptacles was targeted by suspected arsonists in October, leaving council bosses feeling “angered and frustrated”.

Each bin cost the authority almost £7,000 brand new, causing backlash after some residents claimed the money could be spent elsewhere.

But further bitterness was felt when the one immediately below the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone Coastal Park was found alight on the morning of Wednesday, November 24.

Crews were called to the scene just before 6.15am and sent one engine to extinguish the blaze. Firefighters believe it was started deliberately.

The bins use solar-panelled technology to send electronic signals which are remotely monitored when they are full in order to be emptied - something the council argues will save time and money in the long run.

The council confirmed last month that they had claimed for a new bin on their insurance at a cost of around £500, hoping it would be re-instated in time for the festive season.

A spokesman said: "The actual cost of replacing the bin is around £4,500 which is less than buying new because some of the initial cost was for maintenance, extending battery life and other things, but we are expecting the insurance to cover most of that."

The bins were introduced after a series of weekends where high numbers of visitors used the Green Flag park, which led to overflowing bins.

The council says it has no immediate plans to extend the use of the bins across the district but will be monitoring their success for possible future use.

Cllr Stuart Peall, cabinet member for the environment at FHDC, said the bin’s return was excellent news: "These bins have really proved their worth since they were installed. Their increased capacity means they hold more litter, so people shouldn't find them full when they want to use them. It’s great that the damaged bin has been replaced.

"Now is a great time to think about resolutions for the New Year and I hope those who blight our area by leaving their litter behind will decide instead to use the bins or to take their rubbish home with them.

"We’re fortunate to have some beautiful areas to enjoy with the family over the Christmas break, including the award-winning Coastal Park where these bins are situated, so let’s all do our bit to keep them at their best."

Anyone with information about the fire should email environmental.services@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk