A PURPLE telephone box is set to be transformed into a miniature exhibition showcasing Carlisle's cultural heritage.

The phone box, which has already had its debut at Bitts Park's Show and Tell event, is a prototype, and if successful, there's potential for more.

It is set to go public in the Old Town Hall's Tourist Information Centre in Carlisle.

One quirky idea mentioned is to have the box emit the aroma of biscuits as it's opened, a nod to Carr's Biscuits.

Aaron Postlethwaite, an apprentice with Cumberland Council, toiled away to construct the box during his apprenticeship.

Ian Harker, the council’s street lighting manager who coordinated the project, said: "It’s not every day you get to commission a big purple phone box.

"This is a collaboration with our Arts, Culture and Heritage team who were looking for imaginative ways of celebrating Cumberland’s wealth of art and culture.

"At Cumberland Council, we like to promote initiative, and seizing the moment, one of our electrical apprentices asked if he could fit out the phone box and use the experience the demonstrate his skills.

"The result is some outstanding workmanship.

"The installation includes appropriate electrical protection, supply outlets and a dynamic lighting installation that can be synchronised to your phone. 

"With a move to the Civic Centre, the consultation continues with the intention to use the feedback to turn the box into a miniature art gallery with the assistance of Carlisle Contemporary Artists. 

"Can’t wait to see what Aaron's course tutor makes of it! 

"Hopefully 'Fuchsia' is the first of many and we have a few more collaborations bubbling in the pot," he said.