This specially designed ‘beach bin’ could be the future of the seaside after winning a competition to help reduce plastic pollution.

Laura-Monica Carusato, a first year product design student at the University of East London, won the contest to design a bin which would encourage people to recycle.

The 19-year-old designed a bright orange tube similar to the ventilation tubes seen on large ships.

She said: “It’s designed so people don’t just place or drop plastic waste in the bin, they throw it in, so it becomes fun, something children and adults can enjoy, like playing basketball.”

As the winner of the competition, sponsored by environmental charity Green Seas Trust, a prototype will be created and trialled on a beach in West Sussex.

Judge Karen Sherwood said: “Laura’s prototype won for its originality of design, ease of use, and because it would be practical to clean and empty.”