RESIDENTS in Blackburn and Darwen are being asked to paint their towns red, blue, green, white or any other colour of emulsion they may have stored in a tin at home.

A new scheme has been launched by the council, Akzo Nobel and Lancashire Waste Services to encourage people to take full of partly used, unwanted tins of paint along to a 'Paint Donate' bank at the household waste and recycling centre on George Street West, Blackburn.

The paint is sorted according to colour and type before being given to local community groups and organisations.

Coun Tony Humphrys, chairman of the council's environmental services committee, said: "Over a quarter of all paint bought in the United Kingdom never ends up on the wall or door for which it was intended.

"It can be a health hazard and a threat to the environment if it is not disposed of in the right manner.

"Many local organisations are desperate for your unwanted paint. Paint Donate will show how we can put waste to work.

Leaflets and information about Paint Donate are available through all local paint and DIY stores or from Blackburn with Darwen's recycling office on 01254 585614.

Most people clear out unwanted paint cans when they move house, so solicitors and estate agents in the town are also promoting Paint Donate.

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