A SOCIAL enterprise scheme has received a major boost from Darwen-based Crown Paints.

Through the company’s annual ‘Kick Out The Can’ initiative the ReUse Together Centre in Blackburn has received 70 litres of recycled paint for use in future projects.

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The campaign gives householders the chance to clear sheds, garages and cupboards of unwanted paint.

Tins are handed in to each Crown Decorating Centre around the country before being reprocessed and donated to community projects in their area.

The Glenfield Business Park centre in Blackburn was chosen as the winning recipient by staff at Crown’s Blackburn store.

Sara Knagg, at ReUse Together, said: “We’ll use the paint for a variety of projects and, because we rely so much on donations, it is very much appreciated.”

It was set up 18 months ago to provide a low-cost alternative for furniture, white goods and other household items.

It relies on volunteers to help turn donated items and diverted landfill into desirable products for low-income families.

The centre gives volunteers and apprentices the chance to learn new skills alongside mentors in special craft and sewing clubs.

Finished items, from furniture and electrical goods to beds and carpet tiles, are sold in the centre’s own showroom, which is open to the general public.

The project, part of the Together Housing Group, also funds apprenticeships as well as organising work experience and volunteer placements.

Mrs Knagg of ReUse Together said: “I was delighted to hear we’d been named as recipients of this year’s Kick Out The Can initiative.

“ReUse Together is a community project that gets local people involved in creating low-cost solutions for others in the area.

“All of the money generated is then put back into running the enterprise and collecting more stockbe sold on.”

Paula Taylor, Crown Decorating Centres marketing manager, said: “The ReUse Together Centre provides a great service to the Blackburn community.

“It gives apprentices and volunteers the chance to learn new skills and, because the items they help to produce are sold at low cost back to the community, it seems that everyone’s a winner really.”