A SCHEME which makes use of unwanted paint left sitting in garages across the county, giving it to charities and people in need, is hosting an open day to encourage people to get involved.

The Cambridgeshire Community Reuse and Recycling Network (CCORRN) has its base in March but has only recently prepared the warehouse for the public.

Now, the paint recyclers want to open with a bang and they want the community to help make it a special occasion.

“We had to get rid get of 23 tonnes of paints and really clear it out but now we want to say we are here and ready to invite people in,” said Will Rogowski, development manager.

“We want stalls, we want displays, we want entertainment. If you’re in a band, get in touch. We’ve got the whole car park here and we want to make a real day of it.”

CCORRN already have Don the Dulux Dog lined up to make an appearance as well as the Mayor of March Jan French for the day on June 30.

Since coming into being last year, CCORRN, the only county-wide scheme of its kind, has recycled some 80,000 litres of paint, redistributing 5,000 litres of that.

Beneficiaries of the tins of paint which might cost up to �80 in a shop but only �2.50 from CCORRN include charities Mencap, Mind and 4Children, and community groups such as Young People March and Whittlesey Youth and Community Centre.

“We’ve had families on low income brought down by the local authorities and they’ve gone away and been able to re-do their entire house,” said Mr Rogowski.

“When they come back they are literally in tears - they’ve never had the chance to do anything like that before.”

The scheme has had to refine itself after launching in early 2011 unprepared for how much paint would be donated. But now, after moving base several times, it is ready to further its good work.

If you want to get involved in the Community RePaint Open Day, Saturday, June 30 at unit 3 Norman Business Park, Thorby Avenue, March, contact 01354 607667 or development@ccorrn.org.uk