DESPITE several setbacks, a classic red British phone box now stands proud in the centre of a French village – and local twinners were there to see it officially ‘opened’.

Members of the Scoriton and Buckfastleigh Twinning Association suffered a major headache transporting their iconic gift to their overseas pals.

Four years ago group received the decommissioned phone box from Buckfastleigh Town Council and decided it would be the perfect present for its 40th twinning anniversary with the village of Fontaine-Henry in Normandy.

But the outbreak of the Covid pandemic temporarily put the brakes on its delivery, and then Brexit added to the complications.

Local couple Andy Caunter and Cathy Farrer, owners of AGM Garden Machinery, stepped in to help by loaning the twinners with a truck to take the box to France.

Farmer Tom Trueman used his telehandler to load the fragile cast-iron box onto the truck and it was taken to the Port of Caen on the overnight ferry crossing from Portsmouth.

The French twinners covered the transportation costs, and researched the labyrinthine new customs requirements – making the delivery and presentation a real team effort, said twinner Tim Coulton.

Tim explained: “It was the result of a four-year project, held up by Covid and Brexit uncertainties.

“But by both communities pulling together, the box eventually made landfall in its new home.”

The local twinners were able to see the box in situ when they visited the village for their annual four-day get-together during the late August bank holiday.

Now, the Devon Twinners have been able to see the box in situ with their own eyes.

President Anne Goulborn said: “It was wonderful to be in Fontaine-Henry again.

“We kept having to postpone our trip to France due to the pandemic but finally we’ve made it.”

Tim continued: “This year was of particular significance — the 40th anniversary of the twinning.

“The French were keen to mark the occasion in true Gallic style. Village mayor Cyrille Rosello de Moliner presided over the official inauguration of the telephone box and he alluded to the years of close contact and mutual understanding between the two communities, stretching across generations.

“A large crowd gathered in the village centre to witness the event, and after the speeches two of the younger members cut the ribbon to declare the telephone box finally open.”

Véronique Mauduit-Grisel, president of the French Twinners explained: “We have decided to use the telephone box as an information post for the village.

“Tourists can find local guides and information, while residents can use it as a magazine exchange.”

After the inauguration, the pals enjoy drinks and canapés in the village park.