Leicester's skyline has been redrawn after a city landmark was demolished.

Hundreds of people watched as the distinctive 115-foot tall chimney at the former British United Shoe Machinery (BUSM) works in Ross Walk, Belgrave was blown up on Saturday.

Residents from 26 homes, whose houses were inside the safety exclusion zone, were invited as VIPs to the controlled demolition.

Former BUSM apprentice Tom Keville pushed the buttons to trigger the explosions to bring the chimney down at 11am on Saturday.

Tom, who worked at the factory 47 years ago, won the chance to have his finger on the button after bidding £1,700 in a charity auction.

The 62-year-old, who lives in Anstey and runs his own Leicester-based construction company, said: "It was bitter-sweet moment. It was quite exciting but I think I was the calmest person out there. All I had to do was press two buttons and my job was done."

Among those who had come to say a fond farewell to a city landmark was Peter Barratt, a former management accountant trainee.

Peter, 56, said: "My first ever job was at the BU as it was called by everyone back then.

"I finished at Wyggeston Boys Grammar School on the Friday and started at the BU on the Monday. My father, who also worked at the BU factory, had a word with the personnel director who called me in for an interview.

"The BU was a massive place and employed thousands of people, sometimes generation after generation. For some families it was a way of life and it is poignant to be here to see the last vestige disappear."

Peter said not only did he and his father work there but his father's two brothers did and his grandfather too.

"Being here today brings a tear to my eye as it brings back memories of my father and uncles and my grandfather too. I went on to become a management accountant and the BU gave me the best start and I am grateful for that."

The BUSM factory was at one time the world's largest manufacturer of footwear machinery and materials and employed 4,500 people at its height.

Elmi Abdirizak, 51, and his wife and seven children were evacuated from their home in Union Street for the demolition.

He said: "I am glad it (the chimney) went the right way or we might not have a house left."

Richard Dolman, managing director of AR Demolition Ltd, who oversaw the chimney's demolition said: "It is an adrenaline rush. It was a perfect job."

Westleigh Developments plans to build 1,200 homes on the 30-acre BUSM site, six play areas, shops, cafes, commercial units and a nursery, at a cost of £15 million.