A FRIENDLY face returns to Holywell’s High Street following a visit to the ‘penguin hospital’.

The bright blue bin, nicknamed Percy, has been placed in the centre of the high street outside Beresford Adams estate agents after being a victim of vandalism.

In a social media post, the Holywell Business Group said: “Our friend the penguin has returned to his new home in the High Street after a spell in the penguin hospital after being attacked by someone naughty.”

The group says CCTV cameras on the High Street now have eyes on Percy and it is hoped that this was his last trip to the ‘penguin hospital’.

The Leader previously reported that these bins in the shape of bright-blue penguins were placed in areas around the town in a bid to encourage children to think twice about dropping rubbish on the floor and instead use the facilities provided.

At the time, the mayor of Holywell Cllr Rosetta Dolphin said: "I am sure his will be a brilliant scheme to help educating children. I believe that change will only come about when we tackle the issue of littering at its roots and, if we can ensure children know it is wrong to drop litter when these facilities are provided, we can ensure a better Holywell for the future."

Three bins were purchased as part of the initiative thanks to a funding boost from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme with one placed on High Street, one in Holywell Leisure Centre and one between St Winifred's Catholic Primary School and Ysgol Gwenffrwd on Whitford Street.

Jason Barker, clerk for Holywell Town Council, added: “Hopefully, the penguins will encourage young people to think twice about where they put their rubbish. It will, with any luck, help the next generation have much cleaner Holywell.”