Six old red Isle of Wight phone boxes are among hundreds in the south that can be adopted by the community, for £1.

Once a crucial part of daily life, now defunct due to the meteoric rise of the mobile phone, BT's Adopt a Kiosk scheme sees the iconic boxes transformed into everything from libraries to life-savers - with many providing homes for defibrillators.

Across the UK, more than 6,600 of them have been taken on by communities, including 895 in the south east.

Others house mini museums, art galleries and book exchanges.

A recognised public body, including councils, registered charities, or individuals who have a payphone on their own land can adopt a phone box.

BT will continue to provide electricity (if it is already in place) to power the light for an adopted phone box, free of charge.

Isle of Wight County Press: Phone boxes can become libraries, museums and homes for defibrillators.

Jon Pollock, BT Enterprise unit director for the South of England, said: “The ‘Adopt a Kiosk’ scheme makes it possible for local communities in the South East to retain the local phone box, with a refreshed purpose for the community.

“Thousands of communities have already come up with a fantastic array of ideas.

"Applying is quick and easy and we’re always happy to speak to communities about adopting our phone boxes.”

Payphones still remain - but hundreds of modern ones have been transferred into Street Hubs and offer WiFi, USB charging, environmental monitoring and...phone calls.

Tell us about the old red phone box near you!

  • Has it been converted? Will you be applying?
  • Email editor@iwcp.co.uk