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.
13. Layton Flats demolition
The block to the left is already at an angle as is tumbles down watched by spectators at a safe distance Photo: Stephen Shaw
14. Layton Flats
This man was covered in dust. Some people questioned whether the exclusion zone was large enough, and spoke of their alarm and panic as the huge storm of brick particles hurtled towards them. However it was understood the zone was actually bigger than necessary guidelines Photo: Martin Bostock
15. Layton Flats demolition
People assemble ready for the demolition. Were you there? Photo: Melanie Whiteside
17. Layton Flats demolition
The cleaning up process was underway the day after the dramatic demolition Photo: Julian Brown
18. Layton Flats demolition
This view is from the 1980s, long before any demolition work took place Photo: National World