Architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed the first incarnation of the famous red phone box for a competition in 1924.

But with 98% of the adult population now using mobile phones, there has been a huge decline in the use of payphones across the UK.

There are around 20,000 remaining working payphones across the UK, about 3,000 of which are in traditional red kiosks. The number of phone boxes peaked in the 1990s at around 100,000.

BT is now urging communities to continue to take advantage of its Adopt A Kiosk scheme to help repurpose the red landmarks.

Since BT introduced the programme in 2008, more than 7,200 phone boxes have been taken on by communities across the UK for just £1 each. The kiosks can be adopted by community or parish councils and registered charities.

Redundant phone boxes have been turned into everything from defibrillator units to libraries, mini art galleries and local museums.

BT’s Michael Smy said: “With the vast majority of people now using mobile phones, and significant improvements to mobile coverage across the UK, we’ve continued to see a big drop in the number of calls made from payphones.

“That’s why we’re continuing to review our payphones estate, making sure we’re prioritising the removal of those not being used, in line with Ofcom guidance.

“With the iconic red kiosk about to turn 100, it’s a great opportunity to remind communities that would still like to retain their local kiosk to take it on for just £1 through our Adopt a Kiosk scheme.

“We’ve already seen some great kiosk conversions across the UK that have become valuable community assets.”