A firm in Chatham claims to have developed the world's first refillable toothpaste dispenser.

Eco-friendly dental brand Happier Beauty worked on the gadget - which comes with biodegradable refill capsules - after receiving an innovation grant of £150,000.

It says its creation will help tackle the tonnes of plastic waste produced by regular toothpaste pumps - eliminating the need for single-use tubes or pumps.

Founder of Happier Beauty, Faye Wilson, said: “We are so excited to be the world’s first toothpaste company to bring a refillable toothpaste dispenser to market. Refills are becoming more popular across food and beauty so why not dental care? Toothpaste is a product we all use twice a day but innovation in this market has been pretty slow up until now.

“Our refills have numerous advantages for the planet, they are easy to biodegrade so reduce the amount of plastic going to landfills.”

Called Happier Beauty Toothpaste, the dispenser claims to be 100% recyclable.

The product should be made available to purchase in the spring.

The firm already sells a range of recyclable toothpastes.