The playground at a Richmond primary school has been transformed thanks to free paint donated by a council recycling initiative.

Creative pupils at Holy Trinity Primary School on Carrington Road used paint collected at the Townmead Road Re-use and Recycling Centre in Kew to put the finishing touches to a giant mural, part of a playground overhaul designed by the school's parent teacher association (PTA).

More than half of the materials used for the makeover came from a council scheme where unwanted paint is collected and re-used rather than being thrown away.

The repaint scheme relies on residents taking unwanted paint to the Townmead Road centre. It is then distributed to community groups, charities, voluntary organisations and residents on low incomes by the council's recycling team while some is used to cover graffiti.

Penny Cox, deputy headteacher at Holy Trinity, said: "The PTA had a tight budget to work with and we were amazed at the range of colours and paint types on offer under this scheme, and all free of charge.

"The mural has made a huge difference to the play area."

She also paid special tribute to Sara Flynn, Terry Glover, Sodia Lota and Alison Cruthers for their part in the project.

Councillor Malcolm Eady, Richmond Council's cabinet member for children's services and education, said: "This excellent project has brightened up the playground and brought out the youngsters creative talents. It's also great to see children learn, at such an early age, about the importance of recycling and see first-hand the range of materials that can be re-used.

"We are committed to making Richmond the most sustainable borough in the capital but can only achieve this goal through the support of residents young and old."

For more information on the repaint scheme call 020 8487 5240 or visit richmond.gov.uk/repaint_scheme.