Brighton and Hove's busiest public toilets reopen today - and it will now cost 20p to spend a penny there.

The city council has spent £100,000 on the seafront toilets opposite West Street.

They have been shut since Easter after being wrecked in an arson attack.

The revamped loos will be permanently staffed to deter crime and vandalism.

People will have to pay a 20p admission charge to fund the service, which features vandal-proof loo equipment and space to change nappies.

Plans for refurbishment were already in the pipeline and were brought forward because of the fire.

Environment councillor Gill Mitchell, who will cut a pink loo roll ribbon at the opening ceremony, said: "These loos are a vast improvement on the previous ones. Having staff on site is the best chance of keeping them like that - and that has to be paid for.

"Most people would prefer to pay 20p for good loos rather than having free ones repeatedly vandalised.

"Charging is now common in many UK and overseas cities. It will also deter drug taking and dealing."

Disabled people may use the new lavatory for free, using Radar keys. Children's toilets at the nearby paddling pool are free.