Spruce-up surprise

More than 100 litres of paint and 20 pairs of helping hands wielding brushes and rollers touched the heart of an Albany war veteran widow this week.

Shirley Robinson's husband Donald served in Borneo in World War II, before dying from unrelated causes 30 years ago.

The 76-year-old mother of four and grandmother of eight has lived in the home they shared in Orana for the past 56 years and was overcome by community generosity to give it a makeover on Monday and Tuesday.

Mrs Robinson is the first in Albany and the fifth in WA to benefit from Legacy Australia and Berger Paints' Paint for a Mate program.

The national program has repainted 25 homes of war widows across Australia so far, with another 15 expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Mrs Robinson, who was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1999 for her services to youth through the Scouts movement in the Albany district, was overwhelmed with their efforts.

"It is marvellous," she said.

Her son, Kevin Robinson, said it was gratifying to see his parents' military and community service recognised.

"Mum was involved with Scouts for about 40 years and put a lot into the community, so it is nice to see them giving something back," he said.

Berger Paints repainting co-ordinator Adam Delsar said it was rewarding to support Legacy families through the program.