BOOK LOVERS in Burley Gate have at last got their library back - in the village's disused phone box.

The withdrawal several years ago of the county mobile library service hit the local elderly and young mothers with children very badly.

Now this has been remedied, albeit on a much smaller scale, with the launch of The Book Box which took place on Saturday, March 7.

A redundant telephone box just off the A465 had been purchased by the Much Cowarne Group Parish Council from British Telecom and was kindly offered for this new book service.

Assistance was provided by local residents in many different ways to enable this to become a reality.

Constructing and fitting shelves into a cast iron box was not an easy task.

Photographs have been taken of the box in progress for an introductory leaflet, and the scheme has received many donations of books to be used.

The community initiative aims to cater for a wide range of reading tastes. There is something for all ages, including books for children, paperbacks for leisurely reading, and non fiction books on a range of popular subjects.

The simple book exchange allows a book to be taken from The Box and returned on the next visit, or a book is donated in exchange for one borrowed.

Suggestions and comments on the service are welcomed in an effort to expand and improve it. There is even a stool provided for shorter people to reach the shelves.