WORKERS from a Westhoughton factory will be producing the hi-tech successor to the iconic red British phone box.

Following the 90th anniversary of the old phone box, called the K2, the company New World Payphones is introducing a modern variant with a pay phone, wi-fi, a touchscreen with local services and digital advertising schemes.

The equipment will be built under contract by Lord Sugar’s firm Amscreen at its manufacturing and distribution centre at Wingates Industrial Estate in Barrs Fold Close in Wingates.

“It is therefore fitting that Amscreen — a British company — have been charged with manufacturing the remodelling of this classic design icon.

“I view the UK manufacturing industry in the highest regard.

“It has always been the global standard bearer for quality and I’m proud to see Amscreen continue this tradition with a project of this scale.

“I am confident that our digital signage expertise, combined with the vision of New World Payphones and the high grade technology provided by Virgin Media, has helped create a new entry into our national phone box collection and one that could become as iconic as the famous K2 design.”

The new booth has a similar top to the old red phone box designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott that was introduced in 1926.

However the updated version is black and open on three sides and has a full length digital advertising screen on the back.

Employees at the factory, who make up around 65 workers, recently celebrated finishing the construction of the landmark 200th unit. Professor Nigel Linge, of the University of Salford’s telecommunication programme, said: “This model meets the demand for enabling modern communication, while keeping one foot in the past with a design steeped in history. It is a technological and aesthetically-pleasing success and will ensure that phone boxes will retain their ubiquitous presence on our high streets for years to come.”

Justin Cochrane, chief executive of Clear Channel UK which owns New World Payphones, said: “This launch will also see us declutter high streets and plant hundreds of trees in urban areas.

"The phone box sits alongside Big Ben, cups of tea and Tower Bridge when you think of institutional British icons, so to be involved in the evolution of such a stalwart of the British high street is an honour.”

New World Payphones’ booths will complement, rather than replace, the BT phone boxes.