FOOTAGE has captured the demolition of a South Tyneside tower block.

Drone video shows the careful phase-by-phase dismantling of 11-storey Westmorland Court, in Hebburn.

Demolition of the 28-metre high building was completed in November and the site is now being cleared, soiled and seeded.

The footage shows the block being brought down floor by floor with the aid of a high-reach demolition excavator machine.

Cllr Mark Walsh, Lead Member for Housing and Transport, said: “This is quite something to watch.

“This video captures eight months of work to bring down this building safely and it’s fascinating seeing the process happen.

“Westmorland Court was a familiar landmark in the town but there were concerns about both its outdated structure and health and safety aspects that would have required considerable updating, so the decision was made to demolish it.

“Providing modern, good quality housing for our residents is one of our priorities and these flats simply no longer made the grade.”

The tower block, which consisted of 133 flats, was decommissioned in 2017. It would have required millions of pounds’ worth  of investment to bring it up to Decent Homes standard as well as installing additional fire safety measures.