Once they were an essential link to the world for millions who couldn't afford the luxury of a telephone at home, but with the advent of mobile phones and multiple domestic lines, the phone box faces its final call.

Nearly 10,000 non-profitable payphones could see the end of the line as BT cuts its costs. However, they won't all go - 3,000 of Britain's remaining 13,000 classic red booths have been listed for their heritage value and cannot be removed. They can, however, be disconnected.