Dorset's smallest public library and reading room has been officially opened in East Lulworth by the village’s oldest resident.

The project, which saw the transformation of one of BT’s old red phone boxes, was the idea of Lulworth Parish Council.

To help celebrate its grand opening they invited Roy Barker to ‘do the honours’. He was joined by local villagers including members of the parish council. Afterwards Mr Barker took full advantage of the reading room chair.

He told those gathered it was wonderful to see the telephone box have a new lease of life, and at the age of 92 he said he likes nothing better than sitting down with a good book.

The library is open to all, with the only rule being simply if you take a book please bring one back.

Lulworth Parish Council will maintain the library and reading room.

Earlier this year BT offered up more of its iconic red phone boxes for ‘adoption’ for community use, for just £1.

Designed by Sir Giles Scott the classic General Post Office phone box became a symbol of Britain.

But the explosion in mobile phone use meant demand for public telephone boxes plummeted.

As reported, a number of underused boxes still in

existence are set to be removed from around Weymouth, Dorchester and west Dorset.

BT says calls made from its telephone boxes have plunged by around 90 per cent in the past decade. However, more than 5,800 payphones have been adopted by communities since 2008.

Under the Adopt a Kiosk scheme old boxes have been brought back to life in a number of ways.

Boxes already adopted include a grocery shop, a wildlife information centre and even the ‘world’s smallest nightclub’.

BT will continue to provide electricity to power the light for adopted kiosks, free of charge to communities. Where electricity is available, adopted boxes can even be used as housing for defibrillators.

A BT spokesman said: “BT is delighted to give communities the opportunity to get back in touch with the remaining phone boxes, and make them once again an asset that local people can enjoy. Whether it is something that would bring heritage and culture, a practical solution or just joy and inspiration to your community, BT would love you to consider adopting.”