A familiar red landmark at the top of Market Place got a new lease of life when Richmond Yorkshire CIC stepped in to see it restored and repurposed.

The box became available after BT, permitted by Ofcom to rationalise its network as mobile phones took over from payphones, sold one of Richmond's two boxes to the Town Council for just £1. With funding secured from North Yorkshire Council, the CIC took on the job of organising its refurbishment - starting with security, thanks to a generous donation of time from Jack Hawkins of Gentleman Jacks Locksmiths, arranged by CIC director David Walker.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Council said of the project: “The call box has always been a recognised point of communication, albeit down phone lines, and when repurposed it will still serve this purpose, but the communication services it provides won’t cost a penny.”

Once restored, the box became an information point for residents and visitors, sharing details of local events and life in the town. It's since taken on a life of its own too, becoming home to a mannequin whose ever-changing outfits reflect what's happening in Richmond - a regular star of local social media.

Discussions continue with BT about giving the town's second phone box the same treatment.