The text phones which had their debut in Brighton last week will soon let users receive as well as send e-mails.

At the moment the users can only write e-mails in text phone booths. But from October, they will work like web-based Hotmail accounts.

The change will let people use e-mail technology without ever touching a computer.

It will be welcomed by those concerned about a growing digital divide in Britain between those with and without internet access.

The phones will work with Hotmail and other web based e-mail services as well as BT's Talk21 internet e-mail system.

First installed in Brighton and Hove on Monday, the text phones were officially launched outside Brighton Pier on Friday.

Initial indications suggest the trial of the phones has been a success and they will start to roll out nationally by the end of the year.

More than 2,000 messages were sent in the first four days.

Les King, spokesman for BT, said: "We are very pleased with the technical aspects and the amount of use.

"As far as we know, this was a world first."