Spar retailer Paul Stone learned the true meaning of the term 'boxed in' after scheduling errors left a huge BT junction box blocking the entrance to his refurbished Manchester city centre store.

The box, which is directly outside the store's new corner entrance, was meant to have been moved in time for the re-opening, but the job was delayed by gas works.

After postponing the re-opening for a fortnight, Paul decided to replace the store's large windows with a second entrance and cover the box with posters.

"Shoppers are still able to use the blocked doorway, they just have to breathe in deeply, " said Paul. "It's not damaged trade if anything it's attracted attention. Shoppers think it's hysterical."

BT still plans to move the box, but has not yet set a date to do so.