After years of neglect, Seaton Town Council purchased a traditional red telephone box at Seaton Hole, with a view to refurbishing and repurposing it.

Various ideas were discussed by councillors and they subsequently received an approach from local resident Simon Wellington.

After a career in teaching, Simon became a full-time artist and signwriter and, as the telephone box was outside his house, he kindly offered, with the help of the town council's staff, to repair and repaint the box so it could be used as a way to raise funds for local charities.

This idea was welcomed by Seaton Town Council. The preparatory work of stripping back paintwork, cleaning, replacing some of the clear panels and repairing the door will be done by the town council's staff and Simon will then complete the painting, adding gold leaf to the crown and fitting out the interior with a display panel and shelving.

The telephone box will become an honesty 'shop', selling Simon's prints, cards and paintings of local landmarks and all proceeds will be donated to small, local charities who often find it more challenging to raise funds that the larger national and international charities.

Simon has previously exhibited in London, Southampton and Wells Cathedral.

The Mayor of Seaton, Cllr Amrik Singh, said: "Seaton Town Council is pleased to be working in collaboration with Simon Wellington to deliver this asset for the town, whilst raising money for charity."