NINETY-nine years of history crashed down in 1966 when a landmark in Burnley centre was no more.

Eight columns inside the old market hall were detonated, which brought down the roof to the foundations.

Two packs of explosives were fastened to each by demolition expert Fred Felton, who then pressed the switch to send tons of iron girders and timber tumbling 50ft to the basement.

Almost 10,000 tons of stone were moved from the building, and 12,000 slates taken from the roof.

The following year would have been the market hall’s centenary, but the site was set to be cleared and work on a new market started.

Said Fred: “It is a shame this place had to come down. The walls were so strong it would still have been standing when they demolished the new market!”