MEET the man who has transformed a red telephone box into a florist’s shop.

Darren Mercer opened his new shop Brighton Post Company in New Road, Brighton, last month.

It is right next to the Pavilion Gardens and Darren, who was born and bred in the city, said he could not have picked a better spot for it.

He said: “I chose a phone box because it’s quirky, unique and it’s in a great location.

“New Road is pedestrianised and it’s close to the Theatre Royal.

“I am in the heart of the city and the community is really lovely.

“I was going to pick the phone box opposite St Nicholas’s Church in Dyke Road but luckily this booth became available.

“This one had always been my first choice because it’s in such a good spot.”

Darren’s booth, along with a neighbouring phone box, the Dialling In Kiosk cafe, had already been in the news before they became shops.

When the Great Storm of 1987 struck the city it caused considerable damage to the Royal Pavilion and a tree crushed both the phone boxes.

Darren said: “Phone booths have become obsolete because of mobile phones and some of them are abandoned.

“However that doesn’t mean they no longer have any use.

“I sell a variety of plants including succulents, hydrangeas, lilies, cacti – and honey.

“I have a van and I take the plants home when I close up.

“Since I opened, I’ve had a lot of business because of major events like the Fringe, the Children’s Parade and a lot of people bought roses for the Great Escape.

“I think the summer will be quite busy.

“I open from 8am to 6pm. The shop still opens despite the rain – I am only concerned if it’s too windy.”

As his shop continues to blossom, Darren hopes to start doing deliveries in the near future.