Hull Names Iconic Cream Phone Boxes After Local Heroes

Hull's iconic cream phone boxes are getting a heartwarming makeover as the city searches for nine everyday heroes to honor with their own dedicated kiosks.

Former Commonwealth boxing champion Tommy Coyle and his brother Lewie, captain of Hull City football club, launched the Hometown Heroes campaign this week. The pair unveiled their own named phone boxes outside KCOM's headquarters in what locals are already calling "Coyle Corner."

The initiative celebrates 90 years since the classic K6 phone boxes first appeared on Hull's streets in 1936. Unlike the red boxes found across the rest of Britain, Hull's kiosks are painted cream, a unique legacy of the region's independent phone network.

Now KCOM wants to dedicate nine boxes (one for each decade) to the people who make Hull's communities thrive. They're looking for the lollipop lady who's helped generations cross safely, the foodbank organizer, the volunteer football coach, or anyone who shows up for their neighbors without asking for recognition.

Tommy Coyle, named a Freeman of the City of Hull last year, says he's thrilled to celebrate people who work to make their communities better. "Everyone thinks of Hull when they see a cream phone box and I'm proud to be part of this city and its history," he shared.

Lewie, who runs a football academy alongside his playing career, says recognizing unsung community champions matters. Being Hull City captain and having his name on a famous phone box are both massive honors for the hometown kid.

The Ripple Effect

The campaign has already energized Hull residents to think about the quiet heroes around them. A panel of celebrity judges including former Emmerdale actress Gemma Oaten and Pride of Britain winner Marcus Skeet will select the final nine honorees from public nominations.

KCOM CEO Richard Schäfer captures why this matters: "What better way to celebrate this milestone than to dedicate them to the people who make those communities thrive?"

Public nominations run until March 23, giving Hull residents nearly a month to recognize the difference makers who deserve extra thanks.