Competition winners were treated to one last look at Burlington House before the "eye sore" in Dover is gone forever.

Stephen and Alice Bates from Deal, Patrick Gale and Malcolm Gavin from Dover descended the steps with Mercury reporter Emily Stott.

A presentation was given by Eric Rasay, contract manager at DDS Demolition - the company in charge of dismantling the building.

He described the process to the group on floor six before more stairs leading out on to the roof of the building.

Here winners could take in the spectacular views of Dover and the coastline.

Malcolm Gavin, of Folkestone Road, said: "I've found it really great. It's great to come up to a building I want to see the back of and get some stunning views of the town where I live as well.

"To see the building in it's dying days and some wonderful sights of Dover - I'm saying goodbye and good riddance to it."

The group were also shown a demonstration of digging through the roof just metres from where they stood.

After this, all the visitors were led back down to the archaeological dig in Woolcomber Street.

Mrs Bates, 61, said: "It's really interesting. I didn't know what to expect. I had no idea what went into taking this down and to hear the various stages that they had to go through it's really interesting.

"I'm so glad I've come. It's unbelievable views this high up."

Work is set to begin on the County Hotel this afternoon which is all to make way for the St James' Redevelopment.

See next week's Dover Mercury for more reactions and lots of pictures.