SIX inches of brickwork was all that prevented a perfect finale for Accrington's tallest factory chimney.

As the 230-foot "Platts" landmark, at the Globe Works, teetered uncertainly on its foundations, celebrity steeplejack Fred Dibnah had to admit that the demolition was not one of his best.

After a week of preparation, the charismatic chimney expert - donning his famous flat cap and boiler suit - had failed to remove just six more inches of brickwork which delayed the smokestack's fall.

Bolton-based Fred's technique is to knock out bricks at the base of the chimney and insert wood posts which are then set alight and gradually collapse, forcing the chimney to give way.

But he said: "I under-estimated the quality of Accrington brick, which the chimney was built with, so I had to knock away another six inches after it had been set alight.

"Out of the 90 chimneys I have brought down this was only the third which needed a push!"

Bolton-based Fred, 58, finally felled the industrial relic with the help of Accrington schoolboy Jack Abbott, who got the job of setting the wooden posts alight as a ninth birthday treat. Fred, who wouldn't reveal his fee for the task, said: "I'm glad we got it down safely but I must apologise to the locals who expected a five-minute job."

The chimney dominated the town centre skyline for more than 85 years and has been demolished to make way for further development, following the Globe Centre's £3.5 million refurbishment.

The centre is due to open in September and will provide 70,000 sq ft for business and a base for Accrington and Rossendale College's catering department.

Outline plans for the remaining four acre site, which include housing and commercial development, are being discussed.

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