Ten years ago today, hundreds of people crowded to watch Blackpool’s Layton Flats pulled down.
And it changed our skyline forever. They were iconic but had come to a natural end and explosives brought them crashing down on July 31 2016.
Our photographers and videographers were there to witness the high rise buildings fall, live streaming it all on Facebook, as by-standers watched in awe as part of Blackpool disappeared forever.
The flats came straight down within about 20 seconds but it left people with mixed feelings, for some it was like saying goodbye to old friends and for others it was eerie.
Away from the dust clouds which bellowed from the rubble, hundreds of other people gathered on the top of Sainsbury’s car park on Talbot Road to witness a chapter in Blackpool’s history.
These photos tell the story of the day and a video is included which captures the historic event as it happened.
7. Layton flats demolition
Mobile phones were out as people captured the moment the flats tumbled to the ground Photo: Melanie Whiteside
8. Layton flats demolition
The roof top of one of the blocks can be seen here - and an open window. It was a split second before it finally crashed to the ground Photo: Martin Bostock
10. Layton Flats demolition
Spectators caught in the dust cloud pull coats over their heads to shield themselves from it Photo: Martin Bostock
11. Layton Flats demolition
The view from the end of one of the side streets changed beyond recognition once the flats were gone Photo: Martin Bostock
12. Layton Flats demolition
Demolition workers head for the site afterwards Photo: Stephen Cheatley