Blyth Power station - which has dominated the Northumberland skyline for more than 40 years - was partially demolished on Thursday.

The station's 100ft high coal conveyer and coal processing area were blown up in a controlled explosion at 1400 GMT.

Roads were cordoned off and onlookers watched the controlled explosion from a safe distance.

Four chimneys

Residents living near the site were warned to expect a "big blast".

Steve Jack, from Innogy, who were in charge of the demolition, told BBC Look North: "It looks complicated but in all honesty it is quite easy.

"It is basically a few charges that knocks the legs away and then it falls down."

The work was part of phased demolition at the former coal-fired plant, which closed down two years ago.

Large parts of the complex have already been knocked down by specialist demolition contractors, Brown and Mason.

Later this year the station's giant boiler house will be blown up and the station's four chimneys will also go.