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Want your own iconic piece of British culture? Here's how...
You can now buy an iconic red phone box for just £1, in a bid to help preserve their heritage in rural locations.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the phone boxes, BT is selling off thousands to communities to be used as libraries, food banks, mini museums, art galleries or even life-saving defibrillator stations.
The scheme — known as Adopt a Kiosk — is calling on local councils, parishes, town centres, registered charities and private land owners to transform the iconic boxes into spaces that will ultimately do good.
According to BT, only 20,000 working phone booths remain in operation, down from 100,000 in the 1990s.
"With the iconic red kiosk about to turn 100, it's a great opportunity to remind communities that would still like to retain their local kiosk to take it on for just £1 through our Adopt a Kiosk scheme," said Michael Smy from BT.
"We've already seen some great kiosk conversions across the UK that have become valuable community assets."
A former telephone box used as a book library in Devon
So far, more than 5,000 communities across the UK have seized the opportunity to do something wonderful with disused local phone boxes — and there's still the chance for others to get involved, too.
An old phone box has been turned into a defibrillator in the Cotswolds
Martin fa*gan, national secretary of the Community Heartbeat Trust charity, which is installing defibrillators in the phone boxes, added: "BT's phone box kiosks are iconic British structures, and repurposing for this life-saving use has given them a new lease of life.
A repurposed phone box in Bath
"To date we have converted about 800 ourselves, with another 200 in the pipeline. Placing the equipment in the heart of a community is important to save on time. Kiosks are historically at the centre of the community, and thus great locations for defibrillators."
To get involved or express your interest, head over the BT's Adopt a Kiosk website. Once you have expressed your interested, BT will then review your request. If you are successful, BT will disconnect the phone and leave you in charge of its use.
15 pretty picnic blankets for outdoor dining in style
This stylish palm leaf-patterned rug has a waterproof backing so you can lay it on the ground without worrying about the weather. When you're not using it for picnicking, it rolls up neatly and can be easily transported thanks to the built-in shoulder strap.
Floral lovers, this picnic rug is for you! The bright daisy print and punchy yellow base makes this rug a super fitting choice for summer days. And when it's time to pack away, the blanket folds up small enough to pop into your handbag.
Crafted from 100% cotton, this beautiful picnic blanket from Liberty showcases the brand's classic floral print.
It can be popped into the washing machine between uses and looks gorgeous with a colourful spread. We'd opt for cutlery and plates that are just as bright to complete the look.
Experts in tea time treats and alfresco dining, Fortnum & Mason knows how to make a quality picnic blanket. This one, in the luxury department store's light blue colourway, is crafted from pure new wool. It has leather handles for easy carrying too.
This lightweight seashell-themed picnic blanket is perfect for beach days, picnics in the park and summer BBQs.
Fitted with a removable carrier and straps, its water-resistant backing means you'll be protected from the wet ground during any unexpected spring showers.
The matching cooler backpack is also worth a look.
A neutral picnic blanket that folds down neatly, this one is ideal if you're short on storage space. It’s made for two so is perfect for intimate outdoor alfrescos, while its carry strap is great for transporting.
With its lovely bee-print design, this picnic blanket is great for warm weather. It features a sturdy woven cotton handle so you can easily roll it away and transport it to your favourite sunspot.
Lightweight, waterproof and washable, this cool picnic blanket features a map of the Chilterns. It's the ideal rug for people who like to walk and is light, compact and folds away into its own stuff sack.
Designed by Decathlon's team of campers, this picnic blanket comfortably protects you from the ground when you're picnicking. It was made as a durable and compact rug, with a water-repellent coating to save you sitting on damp grass.
From beachwear brand BukawaSwim, this picnic blanket is a luxurious option for families or a group enjoying a day at the beach or an alfresco adventure.
It's reversible, so you can easily switch between the pretty orange motif and the neutral green side. We love the pretty tasselled edge detailing too.
Want a cheap picnic blanket? This one is simple in design but is ideal for something affordable that does the job. It has waterproof backing, feels comfortable to sit on, and there's a handy strap for rolling it up and carrying from home to the park.
Save 15% off with the promo code AUGUST15.
Heading to the beach? This beautiful bee-print picnic blanket is perfect for trips to the seaside. It has water-resistant backing and faux leather straps for carrying it around. The unique print and purse-friendly materials makes it one worth packing for days out.
This extra-large picnic blankets is roomy enough for up to eight people to enjoy. It has a waterproof and sandproof backing, a comfy fleece surface and folds up neatly, making it easy to transport.
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