THE iconic blue police box is set to make a return to Edinburgh city centre.

Several surviving boxes, synonymous with the Tardis from Doctor Who, will be used as a base for officers, fitted with modern communications equipment.

The last one closed in Edinburgh in the early 1990s, but the Lothian and Borders force still owns 30 of them, 14 of which are classed as listed buildings.

One facility has already opened in Rose Street with three others set to follow in mid-summer.

Inspector Bruce Johnston, from West End police station, said: "The boxes were a symbol of localised policing which is something we want to re-emphasise."

He added: "In that respect we plan to use them as was initially intended with the addition of 21st century technology."