A Falmouth company is turning old water bottles into protective face shields in the fight against the COVID-19 virus.

Float Digital, based out of the Stranger Collective in Killigrew Street, is 3D printing face shields made from recycled bottles in reaction to the acute shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment) in the current pandemic situation.

The team has answered a call from 3D printer company Prusa3D, which has already printed and donated more than 12,000 shields in the Czech Republic and has requests for 90,000 more.

Video: Prusa3D

The printer company has encouraged anyone with one of its 3D printers to start making face shields - and the Falmouth marketing agency is among them.

Director Samantha Charles told the Packet: "They're telling everybody that has one of these machines to start printing.

"They've been doing it worldwide and they're trying to get everyone onboard.

"We'll be printing as many as we can. It's a good opportunity to do something that's helpful."

The team is currently testing the structure of what they are producing before beginning to print shields that will be distributed out to the NHS.

Anyone with a 3D printer can help. Visit prusa3d.com/covid19 for more details or email hello@float-digital.com to see how you can get involved.

Prusa3D said: "3D printing communities across the world became a massive driving force in the effort to produce protective wear for those, who need it the most.

"This is why the design of the shields is fully open-source, anyone can produce it and/or modify it. Also, the shields are made from easily accessible and inexpensive materials.

"We would like to ask you to help us by spreading the word or even joining the collective endeavour - as a community, we can help thousands of people in need."