AFTER being told that their village phone box was to be removed, residents of Old Sodbury pulled together to save it.

It was once the quickest way to receive news, but the red phone box on Cotswold Way had become run down over the years through lack of use.

Now, the iconic phone box has been restored to its former glory thanks to the efforts of village volunteers.

Old Sodbury resident Ben Wicks and Glenn Prested, landlord of The Dog, led a 6-month-long renovation project to repair the booth, with the support of local businesses and residents. 

Ben, 37, said: “It’s taken a long time and a lot of hard work but it’s finally over.

“I told everyone that I would have it done by Old Sodbury Village Day last week, and we worked right up to the last moment."

He added: “The phonebox has brought the community together and I’m glad that it’s being put to a good use."

The village hall purchased the iconic red phone box for just £1 last year after learning of plans to remove it.

They asked residents in the area what they would like to see the space used for, and settled on turning the booth into a life-saving defibrillator point, village library and miniature tourist information centre.

“I have had heart problems in the past myself, so it’s reassuring to know that there is a defibrillator right on my doorstep,” said Ben, who had to juggle fixing the phonebox around his poor health. 

The renovation work involved stripping the phone box down, “days and days” of sanding and installing 72 new panes of glass. 

A new light has been installed, alongside a hand-stitched leather door strap and brass hinges.

Ben said: “We’d like to thank all of the people who have donated money to make this possible.

“The Dog, Old Sodbury Village Hall, BAM Nuttall, John Edgar and Landcare Plant Nursery all helped to support the project.”