Islington spruced up with flowering phone boxes

An area of Islington has been spruced up for spring with a blaze of colour - including flowers in two traditional red phone boxes.

Miniature ivy, pansies, narcissus and polyanthus are among the blooms now growing in the old phone kiosks, which were stripped down and repainted by Islington Council staff.

The planting is part of the Archway Town Centre Management Group and Islington Council's ongoing commitment to the area, and is funded by the Mayor of London's Outer London Fund, which aims to increase vibrancy and growth along high streets across London.

As well as the colourful telephone kiosks, hanging baskets and barrier baskets have been added to the Archway streets.

Cllr Catherine West, leader of Islington Council, said: "Archway is a fantastic area and we want it to look its very best for spring.

"These telephone kiosks bring a bit of extra colour and sparkle to the streets and have helped give the area a lift."

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "London's local town centres and high streets have a hugely important part to play in the capital's economy so it's vital we pull out all the stops to make them attractive places to visit, work and do business.

"It's great to see how my Outer London Fund is helping to deliver such great results in Archway."