Sorry, this video asset has been removed.

The moment the chimneys
came down

by Suzy Shanley

Hundreds of people turned out to watch the
demolition of two chimneys in Northfleet this morning.

It took just 20 seconds for the 550 foot
towers (see left for the before picture and right for after)
to crash to the ground.

And their fall marks the end of nearly 200
years of cement making at the Lafarge site.

It also signals a fundraising initiative which hopes to benefit
two charities - and one lucky competition winners was
given the chance to be written into the history books as the
person by pushing the button.

It is thought to be Europe’s largest demolition
project.

Lafarge
organised the charity text competition in partnership with Kent Air Ambulance
Trust and EllenorLions Hospices, with the money raised
being split equally between the two charities.

Nigel Rees, demolition manager at Lafarge Cement’s Northfleet
site, said: "The chimneys have been a longstanding landmark
for Northfleet, the money raised will hopefully make a lasting
impression for a charitable cause.”

The 350ft Bevans chimney was demolished last month, completing
the work on the west end of the site.