A decorative bench that was set on fire in Ashford town centre has been replaced thanks to a community effort.

The seat in Park Mall was destroyed in mid-October, days before it was due to be decorated for Christmas, following reported break-ins at a number of shops.

All that was left was the burnt wood of the frame which was damaged beyond repair alongside the knitted artwork attached to it.

After hearing about the vandalism on Radio Ashford, the team at Oyster Bay Furniture in Frith Road, Aldington, offered to make a new one for free.

Then, when a van was needed to transport it to its new home, a listener called 'Gentleman Bob' volunteered his time and took the bench to the town centre where it arrived last Wednesday.

The seat, which takes on a new design each season, is owned by Park Mall but the team from Made in Ashford, a shop that hosts a variety of arts and crafts business, have been running the initiative.

Founder Melissa Dawkins said: "It's so wonderful, and what's really made it for me is the community effort behind getting it back.

"We have been contacted by a youth group who want to help us decorate the bench as a seasonal project going forwards."

"Hopefully we can do some really creative stuff with it and have some themes that everyone will enjoy.

"It gives such an ownership back to the community and it makes it so much more special so a personal thank you to everyone involved."

The next stage is to decorate it in the new year although the first theme has not yet been decided.

It is hoped future designs will incorporate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, and symbolise hope in the spring.

The fire is believed to have been started deliberately at about 3.45am.

Following inquiries, a 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of arson on October 20 and was later released on bail pending further investigation.