A RURAL community has won praise for converting a disused telephone box into a mini library.

BT is scrapping hundreds of boxes across the country after usage dropped by 90 per cent in the past decade, but residents in the village of Crossmichael, near Castle Douglas, took advantage of the “Adopt a Kiosk” scheme to take theirs over for just £1.

Jane McCarthy, a member of the team responsible, said The Wee Book Hoose, which has just officially opened, could hold between 150 and 200 books. The new library allows families and locals to trade, borrow and donate books for the use of anyone In the community – and it’s open 24/7.

South of Scotland MSP Emma Harper visited the locals, including members of the community council, for their efforts.

She said: “I heard about this project recently and I think it is a great idea to commandeer a disused phone box and use is it as a library.

“The initiative shows how communities across the country can work together to create projects which benefit everyone. Encouraging children and young people to read has been proven to be positive for their development and educational attainment and is a positive step. I would encourage communities all over the country to get involved in projects like this.”