A phone box that has been transformed into a mini library has received mountains of praise from residents.

The old BT phone box on the corner of Clarence Street and Blackburn Road in Darwen has been decorated with library-style wallpaper, had shelves erected inside, and books added to create a mini borrow book library for the community to enjoy.

Wayne Dixon has transformed the old phone box in Darwen into a mini library

Wayne Dixon has transformed the old phone box in Darwen into a mini library

Leander Pomfret, who took a photo of the phone box, said: "Well l never expected to see this in Darwen. I think this is a brilliant idea."

Many people echoed Mr Pomfret's sentiments, with Darreners rating the novel idea as 'excellent', a 'great idea', and 'wonderful'.

The phone box library is the brainchild of Keep Britain Tidy ambassador and resident litter picker, Wayne Dixon, who said he transformed it around 10 days ago.

Wayne Dixon has transformed the old phone box in Darwen into a mini library

Wayne Dixon has transformed the old phone box in Darwen into a mini library

Mr Dixon explained: "It seems to be welcomed and liked by the community.

"I'm going to do the same to the neglected phone box in the centre of Darwen too, which I'll do in the next 10 days.

"It's my effort to brighten up the place.

"I'm looking at other stuff that needs improving, graffitied walls, rusty railings, anything neglected and needs a lick of paint.

"It's my effort to reverse the 'broken window effect theory' in our community.

"I'm also doing up neglected community gardens and flower beds, etc."

Pic: Leaner Pomfret

Pic: Leaner Pomfret

The broken windows theory is a criminological theory that states that any visible signs of crime, anti-social behaviour, and civil disorder in a town, will create an environment that encourages further crime and disorder.

Mr Dixon said he also hopes some of the phone boxes could be used to house defibrillators.

He added: "Someone else has put another shelf in and lots of people have added more books, which is great."

One social media user said: "I love this. I've been meaning to have a sort out of books so I should have some to put in."

While another commented: "What a fantastic thing to do, we have a similar one in Mill Hill, sometimes people leave tinned foods etc too."

Wayne Dixon has transformed the old phone box in Darwen into a mini library

Wayne Dixon has transformed the old phone box in Darwen into a mini library

Others expressed concern that it could get trashed by vandals, or the books damaged in bad weather, but one person said: "I passed this the other day. It is not beyond us to provide a door to protect the shared literature.

"What a fantastic idea this is. Let us keep it going."