Ex-firefighters transform eyesore phone box in Linlithgow

A group of former firefighters tackled an eyesore phone box on Monday at the Vennel, converting it into a floral planter ahead of the Britain in Bloom judges’ visit this week.

Burgh Beautiful Linlithgow convenor Ron Smith said: “Burgh Beautiful is extremely grateful to the Ex-Tinguishers for all their creative skills and hard work, and to Ian Gibson for his organisational role. We are hoping that the Britain in Bloom judges will be duly impressed when they visit Linlithgow on Friday!”

Trevor Taplin, a retired retained firefighter and engineer, said: "We were delighted to be able to convert it into an unusual planter, which we hope will catch the judges' eye - but in the right way!"

Ten retired firefighters from the Linlithgow station formed the Ex-Tinguishers over 20 years ago to enter a float in the annual Linlithgow Marches, and do other charitable work.