THE famous Dulux dog has given his bark of approval to a new paint recycling scheme run by a Worcester-based environmental charity.

The Community Repaint Scheme aims to collect unwanted paint from households and businesses before re-distributing it for use by art and community groups.

The programme is being run by the Worcestershire Duckworth Trust from the Worcestershire Resource Exchange in Gregory's Bank Industrial Area.

It will also offer unemployed people the opportunity to volunteer at the Exchange where they will gain practical skills to help when they find paid jobs.

"This scheme is highly beneficial for both the local environment and the local community," said Claire Gillot, from the Exchange.

"The scheme will ensure that as much waste paint as possible is reused. It will have a positive impact on the environment, promote the principles of waste minimisation and will be of a direct benefit to the most disadvantaged members of the community."

The scheme, which was officially launched on Wednesday, April 13, as part of the Trust's month-long Rubbish? Sort It! campaign, has already been rolled out in other parts of the country by SWAP (Save Waste and Prosper).

"We are very pleased to launch our scheme run by Worcestershire Resource Exchange," said Mark Gregory, the scheme co-ordinator at SWAP.

"Over 377 million litres of paint are sold each year - retail and trade - 75 million litres of which are stored hoarded or wasted. The scheme will enable paint to be put to good use."

Anyone wishing to donate paint can do so by visiting the Exchange during normal opening hours of 10am to 4pm on Mondays, noon to 7pm on Thursdays and 10am to 1pm on Saturday.