An iconic phone box on Portland has been given a new lease of life.

Although it is no longer in full working order it is helping to make a whole new series of connections.

Now an information point, it was adopted by the Friends of Wakeham Phone Box, (FOWPB), last year at a cost of £1 under the BT scheme for redundant phone boxes.

Since then, the group has worked towards brightening up the old facility to make it a focal point in the street and an information point containing maps of Portland, various matters relating to the island and a book swap section will be another feature as soon as a couple of shelves have been put in place.

The honour of re-opening the box went to Wakeham’s oldest resident 90 year old Mr Dennis Fancy and well known resident Mr Arthur Copus who said: “The phone box was saved at the 11th hour and the FOWPB formed as we all felt that it was important to keep old structures.”

In celebration of the event, the FOWPB organised a street party and provided a lavish buffet for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Accordion and banjo players provided live entertainment along with Portland based Topspin Circus.

Sponsorship has been given by Western Counties Insurance and raffle prizes were donated by the Pulpit Inn and Wakeham residents.